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Glossary
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Haemolytic disease of the newborn
Also called Rhesus disease or erythroblastosis, haemolytic disease results when a mother who is Rhesus negative (meaning she does not carry the Rhesus protein in her blood) has a ...
Haemorrhoid
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anus. They are caused by increased blood volume and pressure from the uterus on the veins in the legs and pelvis; they ...
Hammock
A hanging length of canvas or heavy netting suspended between two supports and used as a seat or bed. The natural motion of the hammock may be comforting to ...
Harness adjusters
These allow a safety harness to be adjusted and positioned securely and safely as the child grows. This feature may be found on harnesses for pushchairs, car seats and ...
Harness covers
Soft material that wraps around the harness of a pushchair, car seat or highchair, usually around the shoulders and sometimes the hips and crotch; it is designed to prevent ...
Harness slots
Harness slots are where the straps of the harness feed through the back of the pushchair, car seat or highchair. There may be multiple harness slots because the product ...
Head hugger/head support
A soft pillow-like pad that surrounds the baby's head and provides additional comfort and support. Often found as standard in infant car seats and pushchairs that are suitable from ...
Health visitor
A health visitor is a registered nurse with qualifications in obstetrics and midwifery, who visits new mothers and babies at home.
High-risk babies
This term describes those babies who have a greater likelihood of developing an illness or dying within the first few months of life. High-risk babies include those born to ...
High-risk pregnancy
A pregnancy with a higher than normal risk of developing complications. Such pregnancies include those with multiple foetuses Rhesus incompatibility, prior miscarriage, premature labour or placenta praevia in earlier ...
Highchair
Suitable once a baby can sit unaided and as solid foods are introduced (approximately 6 months); most highchairs are equipped with a tray and integral safety harness. Many are ...
Hindmilk
This is the milk released near the end of breastfeeding session, after the active let-down of milk. The fat content of hindmilk is two or three times higher than ...
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)
This hormone is produced by the placenta and triggers the release of oestrogen and progesterone. As it is excreted in urine, HCG is used in tests to detect pregnancy. ...
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a relatively rare condition caused by swelling of the fluid-filled cavities in the brain (called ventricles). It is also called "water on the brain". It is sometimes ...
Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
A test used to evaluate the health and patency of the uterus and Fallopian tubes. Dye is injected into the uterus and an X-ray is taken. A hysterosalpingogram can ...
Hysteroscopy
A procedure in which a doctor uses an endoscope to examine the health of the uterus.