Feeding difficulties are a common challenge faced by many newborns, especially those born prematurely or with medical complications. These issues can hinder the baby’s ability to consume adequate nutrients, affecting their growth and overall health. From poor latching and reflux…
Late-onset sepsis (LOS) and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are significant concerns for newborns, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). These infections occur after the first 72 hours of life and are often associated with exposure to healthcare environments, invasive…
Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a newborn’s body is overwhelmed by an infection. Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) refers to infections acquired within the first 72 hours of life, often resulting from exposure to pathogens during pregnancy,…
Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is a common and potentially dangerous condition in newborns, particularly in premature or low-birth-weight babies. Neonates are especially vulnerable to temperature instability because their bodies lack the mechanisms to effectively generate and retain heat.…
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common and serious condition that primarily affects premature newborns. It occurs when a baby’s lungs are underdeveloped and lack sufficient surfactant, a substance critical for keeping the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the…
Birth asphyxia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a newborn does not receive sufficient oxygen during or immediately after delivery. This lack of oxygen can disrupt vital bodily functions, particularly in the brain and other organs, potentially leading to…
Key milestones in the first month of life are essential markers of a newborn’s growth, adaptation, and development. During this period, babies make significant progress in areas such as physical growth, sensory responses, and neurological reflexes. These milestones not only…
Transition from intrauterine (inside the womb) to extrauterine (outside the womb) life is one of the most remarkable and rapid adaptations a human undergoes. At birth, a baby moves from a protected environment where oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal are managed by the placenta, to independent functioning of critical systems like breathing, circulation, and digestion.
Understanding neonatal physiology provides critical insight into how a newborn’s body adapts to life outside the womb. During the neonatal period, every organ system undergoes significant changes to support independent functioning, from breathing and circulation to feeding and immunity. These…
Overview of neonatal health highlights the critical importance of the first 28 days of life, a period that determines a newborn’s immediate survival and sets the foundation for long-term well-being.
