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Birthmarks What are birthmarks? Birthmarks are areas of discolored or raised skin that are seen at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks may be made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. Medical experts don’t know what causes birthmarks. But most of them are

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

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

Thrombocytopenia in the Newborn What is thrombocytopenia in the newborn? Thrombocytopenia means that a newborn baby does not have enough platelets in their blood. Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. They are made in the bone marrow. How to say it thrahm-boh-si-toh

Healthy Sleep Habits in Children What is normal sleep? The total amount of sleep your child needs varies depending on their age. Age Recommended hours of sleep per day Newborn to 3 months 14 to 17 hours 4 to 12 months 12 to 16 hours (often sleeps through the night) 1 to 2 years

Adenovirus Infection in Children What is an adenovirus infection in children? Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause a variety of infections, such as: Respiratory illness, such as a cold Infection of the eye (conjunctivitis, also called pink eye) Croup Bronchiolitis

Hydrocephalus What is hydrocephalus in children? A baby with hydrocephalus has extra fluid in and around the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most CSF is normally found in fluid-filled areas (ventricles) inside the brain. Its purpose is to cushion and

Schizophrenia in Children What is schizophrenia in children? Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. It's a long-lasting and disabling problem of the brain. It can be treated, but right now there is no cure. A child with this disorder has unusual behavior and strange feelings

Cystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System How does CF affect the digestive system? Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a protein in their cells that doesn't work right. The protein is called CFTR (the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator). CFTR controls the flow of water

Prematurity What is prematurity? A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. Other terms used for prematurity are preterm and the nicknames "preemie" or "premie". About 1 in every 10 infants are born prematurely. Twins and other multiples