Routine Care of the Newborn

Abstract

The time of birth is one of transition from intrauterine life to an independent existence and calls for many adjustments in the physiology of the baby. In foetal life, the placenta acts as an organ of gaseous exchange, as a source of nutrients and elimination of waste products, and also as an edocrine organ. Immediately after birth, the baby’s own physiological systems must take over these functions for survival. The baby’s cry at birth helps to expand his lungs and triggers normal respiration. At the same time pulmonary blood vessels open up, blood surges into the lungs, and the process of oxygenation of blood commences. Physiological shunts like the foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus, which served the purpose of by-passing the pulmonary vasculature in foetal life, now begin to shut down and the circulation changes to the more adult type. In the same way, the baby’s gastrointestinal tract begins to function in readiness for taking over the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and the kidneys assume their role of excretion of waste material.