chapter 6.2 the newborn. the baby arrives newborn goes through many physical changes at birth ...
TRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER 6.2
The Newborn
The Baby Arrives
Newborn goes through many physical changes at birth
During delivery the lungs fill with the amniotic fluid that was in the baby’s trachea (tube that delivers air from the mouth to the lungs) Most of the fluid is squeezed out during the
trip through the birth canal Whatever remains in the mouth is suctioned
out immediately after birth. Baby takes first breathe after delivery
If a newborn is not breathing on their own, medical personal may help by gently rubbing or patting the baby’s back to encourage breathing
For the first few months, babies breathe through their noses
Breathing may be irregular May sneeze often to clear mucus from
their noses Regular breathing after first month or
two
The Newborn’s Appearance
Newborns tend to have skinny limbs and sometimes appear flattened
Head is usually wobbly and appears to be too large for the body
Baby’s skull may seem lopsided because of the passage through the birth canal
Face may be swollen or puffy
Eye color is not permanent until 3-6 months old
Baby might have lanugo (fine, downy hair on foreheads, backs, and shoulders)
Most newborns have tiny white bumps called milia (baby acne) on their nose and cheeks. Disappear in a week or two
Examining the Newborn
Evaluated using the Apgar Scale. System of rating the physical condition of
the baby Rates 5 areas of growth Rating scale of 0-2 Normal total score: 6-10, 10 being perfect Lower score: Baby may need medical
assistance
First Exam
At one minute old – 5 factors checked on Apgar Scale Heart rate Breathing Muscle tone Response to stimulation Skin color
Examine for other conditions that may need special care
Weigh, measure, and dry the baby
Antibiotic to the eyes to prevent infection
Injection of Vitamin K to prevent a rare bleeding disorder
Records created: Baby’s footprint in ink Plastic bands to mother’s wrist and baby’s
wrist or ankle
Later Tests
Hearing tests Blood type Disease screenings Hepatitis B vaccine in some states