Pediatrician: Glossary of Terms

Birth defect: any disease present at birth.

Congenital Defect: internal or external abnormality present at birth.

Disease: condition that impairs the body and/or functions of the body.

Full Term Infant: baby born between 37 and 42 weeks.

Health: state of well-being.

Incubator: heated housing for babies that are too small to maintain their own body temperature.

Injury: damage to the body.

Medicine: science of health.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICUs) : special unit of the hospital where premature babies are cared for.

Premature Birth: baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Prevention: a way to avoid disease or injury.

Postmature Birth: baby born 3 weeks past delivery date.

Symptom: when abnormal feelings are noticed.

Treatment: process of making a change to affect health.

Primary Care: first point of contact for a patient.