Adaptation at Birth

Question 1

Give some functions of the placenta

Answer 1

Fetal nutrition and waste product transport
Acid-base balance
Hormone production
IgG transport

Question 2

What occurs in the first seconds after birth?

Answer 2

Baby goes blue and starts to breathe

Then cries and gradually goes pink

Question 3

After birth, the pulmonary vascular resistance rises and systemic vascular resistance drops. True/false?

Answer 3

False - pulmonary vascular resistance falls and systemic vascular resistance rises

Question 4

Give some factors which result in duct constriction after birth

Answer 4

Increased pO2
Decreased blood flow
Decreased prostaglandins

Question 5

Physiologically, what does the ductus arteriosus become at birth?

Answer 5

Ligamentum arteriosus

Question 6

Physiologically, what does the ductus venosus become at birth?

Answer 6

Ligamentum teres

Question 7

What is persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn?

Answer 7

The fetal circulation persists due to a high pulmonary vascular persistence

Question 8

Give some ways of managing PPHN

Answer 8

Ventilation
Oxygen
Nitrous oxide
ECLS

Question 9

What is the main source of heat production in the newborn?

Answer 9

Breakdown of brown adipose tissue in response to catecholamines

Question 10

What can be done to help a newborn with hypothermia?

Answer 10

Dry
Clothing them
Skin to skin
Incubator

Question 11

Give some causes of hypoglycaemia in a newborn

Answer 11

Increased energy demands
Low glycogen stores
Inappropriate insulin/glucagon ratio

Question 12

Why does physiological jaundice occur?

Answer 12

As liver enzyme pathways are present but immature

Question 13

Give some risk factors for adaptation problems

Answer 13

Hypoxia during delivery
Small/large babies
Prematurity
Illness (maternal/fetal)