Physiological adaptations at birth Flashcards
What three major physiological adaptations newborns make, that are necessary for survival?
Emptying fluids from their lungs and beginning ventilation
Changing their circulatory pattern
Maintaining body temperature
What happens to the respiratory system of a newborn during vaginal delivery?
Chest is usually compressed, which forces fluid from the lungs into the mouth and nose
Chest wall recoils, air is drawn into the lungs, and the newborn takes the first breath in response to chemical changes and changes in temperature
What happens to the circulatory system of a newborn when the cord is cut?
Placental circulation shuts down and the circulatory system must become an independently functioning unit
This involves the immediate and permanent closure of the pathways that allowed the fetus to receive oxygen without the use of lungs
What happens to the newborn’s resistance to blood flow in the lungs as the lungs expand after birth?
The resistance to blood flow in the lungs decreases, and
the newborn’s blood begins to be oxygenated
What are newborns very sensitive to, that can cause permanent brain damage?
Hypoxia
Name seven causes of hypoxia in a newborn
Compression of the cord
Difficult labour and delivery
Maternal haemorrhage
Airway obstruction
Hypothermia
Newborn blood loss
Immature lungs in the premature newborn
Why are newborns at increased risk for hypothermia?
Their larger body surface area
Decreased tissue insulation
Immature temperature regulatory mechanisms
The cool, wet environment of birth also increases heat loss for the newborn
How do newborns attempt to conserve body heat?
Through vasocontriction and
increased metabolism
What risk exist for newborns due to conservation of body heat through vasoconstriction and increased metabolism?
Hypoxemia
Acidosis
Bradycardia
Hypoglycemia
