A Glossary for what parents should know especially for moms in the first year of parenthood.
Mommy Glossary A- H
A
Allergies – Some babies are allergic to certain foods. Milk, eggs, fruits, artificial flavourings are implicated and may produce rashes, wheezing, upset bowels or tummy aches and colic.
B
Birthmarks – Most babies have a few. They include moles, strawberry marks and port-wine stains.
Blood in Motions – If motions are very hard they may tear the mucous membrane of the bowel as the stool is passed. If blood appears in motions always see the doctor. Blood in loose in motions or diarrhoea may suggest a dysenteric condition.
Bow Legs – Many babies seem to have bow legs and so do toddlers. Check at clinic if you are worried.
Burns – If burn is larger than baby’s hand see the doctor. Keep burns dry and cover them with sterile dressing. Don’t prick blisters.
C
Caesarian Section – The usual treatment these days for undue delay in the first stage of labour. Section has gone a long way towards obviating difficult births. The baby is born through an incision in lower part of the tummy.
Circumcision – Operation in which the foreskin over the tip of the penis is removed. Usually only carried out for religious reasons today.
Club Foot – A foot deformity easily treated if spotted at birth.
Colic – Baby suddenly screams and pulls his legs up towards his chin. If it happens often see the doctor.
Conjunctivitis – Babies often get an eye discharge in the first few days of life. Easily cured with special ointment.
Convulsions – Usually caused by a high temperature in babies. Always check the doctor.
Cot Rocking – A harmless activity in older babies.
Cradle Cap – A common greasy skin condition of the scalp. Responds to ordinary shampooing.
Croup – Sudden very noisy breathing usually at night. Contact doctor for advice.
D
Diarrhoea and Sickness – Always a worrying combination in babies. Give plenty of drinks, contact doctor.
E
Ear discharge – not to be confused with Wax in the ear. A discharge needs medical attention.
Eczema – A dry itchy rash in babies, often starts in skin creases, caused by allergy.
F
Frenulum – A tiny piece of tissue under the tongue. Used to be cut if short; baby was said to be tongue-tied. This old-fashioned practice has been abandoned.
G
Gastroenteritis – Sickness and diarrhoea which can lead to dehydration. See your doctor.
Genitals – Organs of reproduction. Babies often play with their genitals.
H
Hernias – Lumps caused by an internal structure pushing out through a weak spot in the anatomy. Often occur around the umbilicus in babies.
Hiccoughing – A common characteristic of babies who even hiccough in mother’s womb.
Hives – Itchy lumps in the skin, called urticaria. Caused through allergy to various things like certain food, insect bites, skin irritants.
Hydrocele – A swelling in the scrotum. Needs medical attention.
Mommy Glossary I- R
source: The First Year Book by Eric Trimmer
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