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Chapter-43 Diseases of the Newborn

BOOK TITLE: Essentials of Obstetrics

Author
1. Diwakar KK
ISBN
9788180613623
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10288_43
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2004
Pages
7
Author Affiliations
1. Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical, College, Kolenchery, Kochi, Kerala, India, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, Kochi, Kerala, India, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kochi, Kerala, India
Chapter keywords
neonatal period, physiological changes, fetus, maternal passages, transient obstruction, capillary and lymphatic drainage, maternal cervix, caput succedaneum, galea aponeurotica, periosteum of the skull, occiput, tachypneic, radiological evaluation, diaphragm, electrical stimulation, muscles, atrophy, mongolian spot, erythema toxicum, milia and pustular melanosis, cutaneous manifestations, neonate, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal jaundice, respiratory problems, pulmonary disorders, congenital malformations, vomiting and abdominal distention, gastrointestinal complaints, metabolic problems, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, seizures, pediatric services, hospitals, obstetrician, obstetric nurses, obstetric practice

Abstract

The neonatal period is a phase of life where significant physiological changes occur to ensure a smooth transition of a ‘maternal dependent’ fetus to an independent individual. The delivery of a newborn through the maternal passages, could occasionally result in the infant sustaining some injury. Transient obstruction to the capillary and lymphatic drainage of the scalp at the point of contact with the maternal cervix results in a boggy swelling of the scalp called caput succedaneum. Bleeding into the potential space between the galea aponeurotica and the periosteum of the skull could spread from the orbital ridges to the occiput and laterally to the ears. The infant may be tachypneic, with the radiological evaluation revealing the elevated dome of the diaphragm. Electrical stimulation of the affected muscles to prevent atrophy could be useful. The mongolian spot, erythema toxicum, milia and pustular melanosis are commonly seen cutaneous manifestations in a neonate, and often cause concern to the parents. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia or neonatal jaundice is a common problem in the newborn. Respiratory problems are a common cause for anxiety during the neonatal period. Pulmonary disorders that manifest in the newborn are usually related to immaturity of the lung, events that occurred in the perinatal period, or a result of congenital malformations. Vomiting and abdominal distention are the most common gastrointestinal complaints that bring a neonate to the doctor. Metabolic problems like hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia constitute the common causes of seizures during the early neonatal period. Despite the availability of pediatric services in most hospitals, the obstetrician and obstetric nurses are often the first persons to whom the mother turns with problems regarding her baby. This chapter provides a brief insight into problems commonly encountered in the neonate during routine obstetric practice.

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