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Flat Head Syndrome (Deformational Plagiocephaly) What is deformational plagiocephaly? Flat head syndrome (deformational plagiocephaly) is when a baby’s head develops a lasting flat spot. The flat spot may be either on one side of the head or on the back of the head. This happens

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn What is persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in the newborn? Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) happens in newborn babies. It occurs when a newborn’s circulation continues to flow as it did while in the uterus. When this

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) What is respiratory distress syndrome? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies. It can also happen in some full-term babies. It causes babies to need extra oxygen and help with breathing. The course of

Hydrops Fetalis What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem. There are two types: immune and nonimmune. What causes hydrops fetalis? There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The type that

Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn What is hyperbilirubinemia in a newborn? Hyperbilirubinemia happens when there is too much bilirubin in your baby’s blood. Bilirubin is made by the breakdown of red blood cells. It’s hard for babies to get rid of bilirubin at first. It can build

Retinopathy of Prematurity What is retinopathy of prematurity? Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye problem that can happen to premature babies. The retina lines the back of the eye. It receives light as it comes through the pupil. From there, the optic nerve sends signals to the

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome What is neonatal abstinence syndrome? Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a set of signs and symptoms that may occur after babies are exposed to medicines or other substances in the uterus before birth. Babies can then experience withdrawal after

Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn What is necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn? Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious, life-threatening illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and kills

Nightmares and Night Terrors What are night terrors? A night terror is a partial waking from sleep with behaviors such as screaming, kicking, panic, sleep walking, thrashing, or mumbling. They are harmless, and each episode will end in deep sleep. They tend to occur in children

Spina Bifida in Children What is spina bifida in children? Spina bifida is a condition present at birth (birth defect) when there are problems with the spine, spinal cord, and the surrounding nerves. It can cause part of the spinal cord and areas around it to form outside of the