Melchiorsen Levine

How to Identify a Neonate What is a Neonate and how can you identify a neonate? The following article will explain the physical characteristics of a neonate and help you recognize the symptoms of perinatal asphyxia. You may also wish to watch this video about the physiology of a neonate. Here are a few other useful links:This video explains the physiology of a neonateYour newborn has a remarkable set of survival reflexes, which are important for his or her survival. During the first couple of months, your baby will learn new ways to cope with daily activities and learn new habits. As a parent, you should try to understand the rhythm of your newborn's breathing. It may be a surprise to learn that newborns breathe fast, pause long between breaths, and breathe loudly.The circulation of a newborn's blood is very different from that of an adult. The blood passes through the placenta before reaching the baby, which supplies oxygen and other nutrients. The placental blood flow contributes about 80 to 100 ml of the baby's blood volume, including about 30 mg of iron. The baby's breathing makes the difference between the lungs and the blood flow, and the fetal body circulates blood from the placenta.When the umbilical cord is clamped after birth, the baby experiences a fetal-to-newborn transition. During this transition, major hemodynamic and physiological changes occur. The lungs begin to clear fluid, establishing their functional residual capacity, and facilitating the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the lungs. This is done by aerating the lungs with air, which reduces pulmonary vascular resistance. The baby's first breaths also cause the foramen ovale to close, signalling a steady transition into autonomous circulation.Physical characteristics of a neonateNewborns have a variety of physical characteristics, including their ability to hear, a receptive hearing range, and the ability to blink and turn toward sounds. Newborns have skin that has been covered with a vernix during the womb, protecting it from the amniotic fluid. They may also have a stork bite, which is a deep pink spot on the nape of the neck that fades after five or six years of age. A baby may also have cradle cap, a crusty rash on the scalp, a sign of premature birth. Premature newborns are also susceptible to certain complications such as blood drawn from the heel during the birth process and circumcision, where the penis is trimmed.Symptoms of perinatal asphyxiaThe complication of perinatal asphyxia is called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Mild HIE symptoms include hyperexcitability, normal tone, no seizures, and decreased or absent movements. The severe symptoms include flaccidity, lack of primitive reflexes, and stupor. Depending on the severity, infants may require intervention from a neonatal intensive care unit.When oxygen is cut off, blood cells cannot get enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, cells are damaged. The body begins to respond by producing waste materials that damage organs. Neonates can develop cerebral palsy due to damage to the cerebral cortex. Untreated, this condition can result in permanent neurological damage, including amputations and seizures. Some babies may develop cerebral palsy, a permanent disability affecting motor function.In a mild case, the mother is given oxygen throughout labor. If problems persist, a cesarean section is performed. The medical team will likely ventilate the infant and administer medications for the heart and blood pressure. The effects of asphyxia can range from cerebral palsy to several other mental or physical disorders. If not treated, the condition can lead to serious neurological issues and even death.The parents of babies with perinatal asphyxia are thrust into a chaotic situation. They have to navigate an unfamiliar environment, endure a traumatic delivery, and spend time in the NICU. The parents of a newborn with asphyxia should be supported, not only during the NICU stay but also after discharge. And parents with perinatal asphyxia must work hard to understand what happened to their child, and explain the experience to their children's family.       

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