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