The Newborn

6.2

The Baby ArrivesAt birth, a newborn goes through many physical

changes that are necessary for survival. During the pregnancy, the baby’s lungs are

collapsed. Oxygen is delivered through the mother’s blood, and the lungs are not used.

During delivery, the lungs fill with amniotic fluid that was in the baby’s trachea. This is the tube that delivers air from the mouth to the

lungs. Most of the fluid is squeezed out during the trip during the

birth canal. What remains is suctioned out immediately after birth.

Newborns usually breathe naturally after birth, if not medical personnel may assist.

The Baby ArrivesOnce the lungs have begun to take in oxygen,

the baby’s circulatory system changes. Blood now circulates to and from the lungs,

rather than bypassing them.

The heart changes too. The heart must pump harder to get more blood

to the lungs. Two small openings in the heart begin to close. A new type of hemoglobin develops

Hemoglobin is a part of the red blood cell that delivers oxygen to the body.

The Baby ArrivesThe umbilical cord once

provided the baby with nourishment and oxygen. The cord is no longer

neededWithin a few minutes of

birth, the cord stops pulsing with the mother’s heartbeat and begins to shrink.

The cord is clamped and cut off, leaving a small stump at the baby’s navel. The stump will fall off in the

first few weeks.

The Newborn’s AppearanceThe newborns head is wobbly and looks too

large for the body. The baby’s skull may appear pointed or

lopsided due to the birthing process. A baby’s skull bones are not fully fused

together The skill has soft spots, or fontanels. Fontanel: is an open space found on the

baby’s head where the bones are not yet joined.

Just above the forehead and towards the back As the baby develops the bones will fuse together.

The Newborn’s AppearanceBabies’ circulatory system takes time to

adjustFingers and toes may be cooler than the rest of

the body for the first 24 hours. Keeping babies wrapped in blankets make them

feel more secure. A knitted cap keeps their head warm

Some babies, especially premies have lanugo. Lanugo: is fine, downy hair growing on the

newborns forehead, backs, and shouldersDisappears quickly.

The Newborn’s AppearanceSome babies, especially premies have lanugo.

Lanugo: is fine, downy hair growing on the newborns forehead, backs, and shoulders

Disappears quickly.

While in the uterus, the baby is floating in amniotic fluid and is covered in vernix. Vernix: is a thick, white, pasty substance made up of

the fetus’ old skin cells and the secretions of skin glands. Acts as protection against exposure to the amniotic fluid. Any remaining vernix is washed off during the baby’s first

bath.

The Newborn’s AppearanceMany babies have tiny, white bumps called milia,

or baby acne on their nose and cheeks. They are plugged oil ducts caused by stimulation

from the mothers hormones, which remain in the baby’s system for a short time after delivery.

Should disappear in a week or so after birth.

The face of the newborn may be swollen or puffy Typically, newborns have fat cheeks; short, flat noses;

and receding chins. The small feature make it easier for the baby to nurse At birth, babies’ eyes are nearly adult sized.

Examining the Newborn When babies are born, their condition is

evaluated using the Apgar Scale. Apgar Scale: is a system of rating the physical

condition of a newborn baby. 5 factors are checked again 5 minutes after birth

Heart Rate Breathing Muscle Tone Response to Stimulation Skin Color

The baby is also given other tests soon after birth.

Apgar Scale

First ExamThe Apgar scale rates each of the five areas

from 0-2. A normal score is in the 6-10 range with 10

being a perfect score.

Nurses examine the baby for any conditions that may require special care. They weight, measure, and dry the baby. They apply amitotic to the baby’s eyes to

prevent infectionThe baby often receives an injection of vitamin

K to prevent a rare bleeding disorder.

After Birth Shortly after birth, certain

records are created. The baby’s foot is printed

in ink for public record. Plastic bands are

fastened to the mothers wrist, to the baby’s wrist or ankle, and to the wrist of someone of the mothers choosing. The bands having

matching numbers and are checked each time the baby leaves the mothers room.

Later TestsMost newborns receive at least one and often two

hearing screenings. Blood is taken from the umbilical cord immediately after

birth to check the baby’s blood type and screen for certain diseases.

While the baby is still in the hospital, blood will be taken from the heel to test for certain disease and disorders.

If the baby is born at home, the baby should still receive the same tests. Parents should plan ahead and discuss with their doctor.