A/B/D
Apnea, Bradycardia, Desaturation
“Spells” where a baby briefly stops breathing (apnea), heart rate slows (bradycardia), or oxygen levels drop (desaturation). Common in preemies and usually improve with maturity.
NICU Abbreviations
Decoded
The NICU has its own language. This visual guide breaks down the terms you'll hear most — so you can feel informed, confident, and connected to your baby's care.
How to use this guide: Each tile shows the abbreviation, what it stands for, and what it means for your baby. Bring it to rounds — it's okay to ask the team to explain anything.
CPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
A machine that gently pushes air into your baby's lungs to keep them open and make breathing easier.
ETT
Endotracheal Tube
A small breathing tube placed in the windpipe and connected to a ventilator to help babies breathe.
HFV
High-Frequency Ventilator
A special ventilator that gives hundreds of tiny breaths per minute — used for very fragile lungs.
SIMV
Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation
A type of ventilator that delivers set breaths but lets the baby breathe in between.
HFNC
High-Flow Nasal Cannula
Delivers warm, humidified oxygen through soft prongs in the nose; gentler than CPAP.
IVH
Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Bleeding in the brain's fluid spaces, seen mainly in very premature infants. Monitored with ultrasound.
PDA
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
A small vessel that should close after birth but sometimes stays open, affecting heart and lung function.
ROP
Retinopathy of Prematurity
An eye condition in preterm babies; eye exams are done to detect it early.
NPO
Nil Per Os (“nothing by mouth”)
Means no feedings are given by mouth or tube temporarily.
TPN
Total Parenteral Nutrition
IV nutrition that provides calories, protein, and vitamins when babies can't eat yet.
PICC
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
A long IV line placed in a small vein for giving medicines or nutrition.
UAC/UVC
Umbilical Arterial / Venous Catheter
Tubes placed in the umbilical cord shortly after birth to monitor blood pressure or give fluids.
ABG
Arterial Blood Gas
A blood test that checks oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid levels to see how well your baby is breathing.
PEEP
Positive End-Expiratory Pressure
The gentle pressure a ventilator keeps in the lungs between breaths to prevent collapse.
Kangaroo Care
Skin-to-skin holding
Holding your baby on your bare chest helps regulate temperature, breathing, and bonding.
You belong on the care team
You don't need to memorize every term — just knowing what these letters mean turns confusing acronyms into a shared language between you and your baby's team.