| Norplant |
Time-released birth control, administered through 6 tiny tubes that are implanted in a woman's upper arm. It remains effective for up 5 years. |
Natural Childbirth
(Prepared Childbirth) |
General term for labor and delivery that is free of medical intervention. |
| Natural Family Planning (NFP) |
Contraception without the aid of drugs or devices based on the rhythm method, basal body temperature, or the mucus (Billings) method. |
| Navel |
Impression or scar left on the outside of the abdomen after the umbilical cord falls off. |
| Neck Righting Reflex |
A newborn's reflex to turn his trunk and shoulders to the same side his head is turned. |
| Neonatal |
The first 4 weeks after birth. |
| Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) |
An intensive care unit that specializes in the care of premature, low-weight babies and seriously ill infants. |
| Neonatal Screening Tests |
Initial tests on a newborn to determine any birth defects or metabolic disorders. |
| Neonatologist |
Physician who specializes in newborn care. |
| Nervous System |
The internal network of nerves that registers and receives information causing the body to take action. |
| Neuro-Otologist |
Physician who specializes in ear and hearing problems affecting the acoustic nerve. |
| Neurologist |
Physician who specializes in treating and diagnosing disorders of the nervous system and brain. |
| Neuromuscular Development |
The development of a child's control over gross and fine motor control. |
| Neurosurgeon |
Physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system. |
| Nevus |
General name for birthmarks. |
| Newborn Intrapartal Care |
Medical care for infants through labor and delivery. |
| Newborn Jaundice |
Yellow tinge of a newborn's skin caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. Usually begins on the second or third day of life and starts disappearing when the baby is 7-10 days old. Can usually be corrected by special light treatment. |
| Niacin |
A vitamin essential to tissue and nerve cells, and for digestion and appetite. |
| Non-Stress Test |
Test on the fetus that is done by measuring the fetal heart rate in response to his or her movements. |
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips