Family health A-Z - G

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A reflex which forces an unmanageable amount of food to the front of a baby’s mouth, helping to prevent choking.

Mature, sexual reproductive cell - either sperm or egg.

A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, sometimes known as Entonox, which can be inhaled during labour for pain relief.

A common infectious illness characterised by vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Usually caused in the UK by a viral infection, but can also be caused by bacteria and parasites. Bottlefed babies are particularly susceptible because warm milk makes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, so the scrupulous cleaning and sterilising of baby feeding equipment is essential for the first six months.

Genetic abnormalities (such as haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, colour blindness and Huntington’s chorea) result when DNA mutations are passed on from parent to fetus.

Also known as: Rubella

The medical term for German measles - a viral infection which was very common among children before the introduction of the MMR vaccine. Characterised by a mild fever followed by a rash, which starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The greatest risk from rubella is to pregnant women in the first trimester, as it can have devastating effects on the development of unborn babies.

The length of a pregnancy. This is measured from the first day of the last menstrual period (see LMP) until the delivery.

A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears soon after delivery. Women who have gestational diabetes are at a higher than normal risk of developing type II diabetes later in life.

Organs or groups of specialised cells which produce and secrete specific substances, such as hormones.

Also known as: Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

A medical test which involves having a blood sample taking after overnight fasting, then ingesting a highly concentrated solution of glucose. Two hours later a second blood sample is taken to measure the body’s response and the results compared with the fasting result. The test is used in pregnancy for the conclusive diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Sometimes also known as Glucose Challenge Test (GCT).

A medical test which involves having a blood sample taking after overnight fasting, then ingesting a highly concentrated solution of glucose. Two hours later a second blood sample is taken to measure the body’s response and the results compared with the fasting result. The test is used in pregnancy for the conclusive diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Sometimes also known as Glucose Challenge Test (GCT).

A painless type of otitis media common in children, in which thick, sticky fluid collects behind the eardrum, blocking the middle ear and causing hearing difficulties. Impaired speech can be an indicator for glue ear. Severe or persistent cases may require the insertion of grommets. See ‘grommets’

Also known as: Coeliac disease

A lifelong condition of the small intestine, in which gluten causes the immune system to produce antibodies that attack the delicate lining of the bowel. This, in turn, causes malabsorption of nutrients. Often diagnosed in newly weaned babies, symptoms can include diarrhoea accompanied by poor weight gain or weight loss. Sometimes known as ‘gluten intolerance’.

The involuntary response of grasping on to a grippable object, displayed by newborns. This reflex generally persists until the actual skill of purposely taking hold of an object is learned.

A partial fracture of a bone, usually seen in children, where the bone is bent but broken on only one side.

Tiny plastic tubes which can be fitted under general anaesthetic into the ear canals of children with glue ear, to allow fluid to drain away from the middle ear and facilitate hearing.

Occurring in around 25-40 per cent of children, these transient aches and pains generally strike in early childhood, at 3-5, and again in juniors aged 8-12. Most children report sporadic pains in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees, usually after particularly active periods. Because there is no evidence to suggest that bone growth can cause pain, growing pains are believed to be muscular in nature. They pass off as children develop.

Also known as: Percentile chart

Centile charts, also known as percentile charts or Child Growth Charts, are used to monitor a child's growth regularly, and are usually contained in a child’s Personal Child Health Record (red book).