The Newborn

Chapter 4 Part 2

The Fetus/Newborn

Decreased oxygen supply during contractions is termed anoxia —insufficient oxygen to fetus/newborn

Noradrenaline Stress hormone secretion protects from oxygen deficiency, prepares infant for birth.

Vernix (skin grease) protects against heat loss.

Breathing

Soon after birth the child must take a first breath Lungs filled with fluid

that is rapidly expelled

The baby’s system must adjust to getting oxygen independently rather than from the mother.

At-Risk Infants: A Different Beginning

Prematurity and Birth WeightPremature or preterm infant: an infant born before 37 weeks’ gestational ageGestational age: age as measure in weeks from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual cycle

Low birth weight (LBW): birth weight below 5 lbs 8 oz.

Very low birth weight (VLBW): birth weight below 3 lbs 5 oz.

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW): birth weight below 2 lbs 3 oz.

Low Birth Weight

Hospital unit that specializes in the treatment of at-risk newborns

Incubator: a heat- controlled unit for preterm infants

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Causes and Treatments of Prematurity

More common in multiple-birth pregnanciesMothers who have a history of miscarriagesMothers who have had previous premature

birthsMothers with high blood pressure, diabetes,

clotting disorders, obesity, infections during pregnancy, and alcohol, nicotine, or drug use

Early Intervention for At-Risk Newborns

Kangaroo care: an intervention often used with preterm newborns in which the newborn is placed in skin-to-skin contact on the mother’s breast to promote thermal regulations, breastfeeding, and bonding

Apgar Scale

Newborn Reflexes and Behavioral States

Reflexes: unlearned involuntary movements or actions that are controlled by neural structures below the level of the cerebral cortexRooting reflex: The head turns toward gentle stimulation of the skin at the corner of the mouth.

Sucking reflex: When a finger is placed in the infant’s mouth with the pad toward the palate, the baby sucks rhythmically.

The Developmental Tasks of the Newborn Period

The Parent–Infant BondBonding theory: a theory suggesting

that the period immediately after delivery is a sensitive one in the development of a close emotional bond between mother and child

Bonding is much more flexible than was first believed.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk generally offers the best nutrition for babies.

Colostrum: a precursor to mature breast milk that consists primarily of enzymes, anti-infective agents, hormones, and growth factors

Benefits both mother and baby

Developmental Challenges

Emotional and Psychological Adjustments

‘Baby Blues’Begins days after birth; can last

monthsLasts 1–2 weeks without treatment

Postpartum depressionMajor depressive episode: feelings

of anxiety, depression, and despairGets worse without treatment