tachycardia
A rapid heart rate, which can be an indicator of certain congenital heart defects. Other signs of heart problems include feeding difficulties, poor growth rate, and recurrent respiratory infections.
Tay-Sachs disease
A genetic disorder carried by an estimated one in 30 Eastern European Jews; babies born with Tay-Sachs lack an essential enzyme and die in early childhood. A preconception test can determine whether potential parents are carriers of the disease.
terbutaline
One of a family of medications called tocolytics, used to halt the contractions of preterm labor.
thrush
A fungal infection characterized by whitish patches on a baby's tongue or cheeks. Mild cases of thrush resolve without treatment, while more extensive cases require a doctor's care.
tonic neck reflex
One of the reflexes present at birth, also called the fencing reflex. An infant will crook one arm behind the head while the other is extended away from the body.
toxoplasmosis
A parasitic infection carried in cat feces and uncooked meat that can cause stillbirth or miscarriage when contracted by a pregnant woman. Toxoplasmosis is rare; an estimated one in 1,000 women is infected during pregnancy.
tympanostomy
Tiny drainage tubes surgically inserted in the middle ear to relieve chronic ear infections.
