1. Chapter 6.2
The Newborn

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Later Tests Hearing tests Blood type Disease screenings
Hepatitis B vaccine in some states