Common Lingo in the NICU: A Parent-Friendly Guide
Stepping into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can feel like entering a whole new world, one filled with caring professionals, beeping machines, and a language that may sound unfamiliar at first. You’re learning as you go, often while coping with emotions you never expected. If the medical terms feel overwhelming, you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down some of the most common NICU lingo so you can feel more confident and informed while advocating for your baby.
Medical Terms & Abbreviations
Apnea / Bradycardia (“A’s and B’s”)
Pauses in breathing (apnea) and drops in heart rate (bradycardia). Very common in early premature babies and often resolve with maturation.
Desat / Desaturation
A drop in oxygen levels. Monitors help detect these quickly so staff can respond.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Gentle breathing support that keeps the lungs open to help babies who need pressure to breathe effectively.
HFNC (High-Flow Nasal Cannula)
Breathing support via soft prongs in the nose. It delivers warmed oxygen and airflow to help babies work less while breathing.
Ventilator / “Vent”
A machine that does some or all of the work of breathing when babies need more support.
NG/OG Tube (Nasogastric or Orogastric)
A tiny tube through the nose or mouth that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach while your baby is learning to feed by mouth.
Gavage Feedings
Tube feedings given slowly to support digestion.
PO Feeding (By Mouth)
Bottle or breastfeeding, working toward full PO feeds is a key discharge milestone.
IV & PICC Line
Ways to deliver fluids or medications directly into the bloodstream. A PICC is a longer-term, more stable line.
Phototherapy
Special blue-light treatment for jaundice (elevated bilirubin), which is common in newborns.
Monitoring & Milestones
Vitals
Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and temperature monitored continuously for early detection of changes.
Kangaroo Care / Skin-to-Skin
Holding your baby against your chest. This boosts bonding, breathing stability, growth, parent confidence and milk production.
Developmental Care
Gentle strategies like positioning supports, low lighting, and protected sleep that help babies grow and thrive.
“Feeder-Grower”
A term for babies who are stable and simply working on eating and gaining weight which is a big step closer to home!
Discharge Criteria (common examples)
✔ Stable temperature in an open crib
✔ Safe and consistent PO feeding
✔ No recent apnea/bradycardia events
✔ Steady weight gain
You Are Part of the Team
Every question you ask matters.
Every moment you spend with your baby matters.
Every update you share with the care team matters.
It’s perfectly okay to pause and say:
“Can you explain that in another way?”
“What does that term mean for my baby?”
Advocacy is an act of love.
Take a Breath
The terminology will become more familiar over time, and the NICU team is there to support you. While this journey can feel daunting, each day brings new growth and hope.
