B Terms

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Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a way of relating a person's body weight to their height. The body mass index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their ... Read More
Bordetella pertussis
Pertussis is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract and lungs caused by Bordetella pertussis. It produces a cough that is ... Read More
Bradycardia
An abnormally low heart rate. When referring to the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing in labor, abnormally low heart rates can signal problems ... Read More
Braxton Hicks contractions
Periodic contractions of the uterus that do not represent true labor. These contractions may begin as early as the first trimester, are ... Read More
Breakthrough bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding (BTB) occurs when there's not enough hormonal support for the lining of the uterus, so it disintegrates and sloughs ... Read More
Breast pump
A mechanical device that pumps breast milk from the breast so that it can be stored for later consumption by the baby. Some babies are not able to ... Read More
Breastfeeding
Simply, the best way to provide nutrition for an infant. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women breastfeed their children ... Read More
Breech presentation
When babies are aligned in the uterus to come out buttocks first, as opposed to head first--the way most babies come out of the uterus--it is ... Read More
Bromocryptine
A drug that stimulates production of prolactin inhibitory factor and suppresses lactation. Many years ago, bromocryptine (Parlodel) was ... Read More
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection infection, typically brought on by a virus. It most frequently occurs in infants between 3 and 6 ... Read More
Bronchitis
A condition characterized by the inflammation of the inner walls that line the main air passageways of your lungs. Bronchitis often follows a ... Read More
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
As defined in The Manual of Neonatal Care: “A form of chronic lung disease that occurs in infants treated for prolonged periods of time with ... Read More
Bronchospasm
A tightening of the smooth muscles around the airways, causing the airways to become narrower. It is then more difficult to expel air (exhale) ... Read More
BROVIAC® Catheter
Type of intravenous tube that is used to give fluids and medications to infants or children. The catheter is placed in a major vein of the body ... Read More
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