1009 Neonatal Care: Basics

Neonatal care refers to that care given to the newborn infant from the time of delivery through about the first month of life. The term “neonate” is used for the newborn infant during this 28–30-day period.

Neonatal care begins as soon as the baby is born. In fact, suctioning of the nose and mouth may take place as the baby is in the process of being delivered—with the head out, and while the mother is taking a pause before the next push. In utero the infant is swimming in amniotic fluid. As he or she comes down the birth canal, the contractions exert pressure on the body and push some of the amniotic fluid out of the lungs. It is this fluid that is suctioned out during those first few moments. Shortly after delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped and then cut. Shortly after clamping, the cord will be checked for the presence of two arteries and one vein. Once the cord is clamped, the baby must breathe and function independently from the mother. The first few breaths cause several internal changes to occur.

Course Content

QuizzesStatus
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.