Newborn Reflexes and Temperature
The balance between heat loss and heat production. Most critical for newborn survival after respiration and circulation.
Thermoregulation
Conjunctivitis of the newborn. Infection that is transmitted during birth if the mother is infected with a sexually-transmitted disease (gonorrhea or chlamydia). All newborns are treated with erythromycin eye ointment to prevent.
Ophalmia neonatorum
"Newborn rash". Tiny, punctate red macules and papules on the cheeks, trunk, chest, back, and buttocks.
Erythema toxicum
First bowel movement of a newborn. It is greenish-black in color and consists of mucus and bile.
Meconium
Bluish color of the hands and feet, not pathological in newborns
Acrocyanosis
An infant's response in turning toward the source of touching that occurs anywhere around his or her mouth
Rooting reflex
Fine, downy hair that appears on the fetus in the last 3 months of development
Lanugo
Small, white, pinpoint bumps usually on the nose and chin. Also called newborn acne.
Milia
Assessment tools for neonatal pain.
FLACC, NIPS, PIPP, NPASS, CRIES
A system for rapid neonatal assessment at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. Continued in 5 minute intervals for up to 20 minutes for score less than 7.
APGAR score
Reflex that causes a newborn to make sucking motions when a finger or nipple if placed in the mouth
Sucking reflex
The shaping of the fetal head to facilitate movement through the birth canal during labor. The cranial bones may also overlap.
Molding
Yellowing of the skin due to high levels of circulating unconjugated bilirubin.
Jaundice
Displaced urethral opening.
Hypospadias and Epispadias
Respirations greater than 60 breaths/minute. Can be a sign of respiratory distress.
Newborn tachypnea
In response to the sole of the foot being stroked, a baby's big toe moves upward or toward the top surface of the foot and the other toes fan out
Babinski reflex
Edema of the presenting part of the head caused by pressure during birth. Superficial and DOES cross the suture lines. Reabsorbs within 1 to 3 days.
Caput succedaneum
Areas of deep bluish-gray pigmentation most commonly on the sacral aspect of a newborn. Can look like bruising. Usually seen in ethnicities with dark-skinned babies.
Mongolian spot (hyperpigmentation of the newborn)
Removal of foreskin. Should not be done with hypospadias or epispadias.
Circumcision
Connects the two atria in the fetal heart, bypassing the lungs
Foramen ovale
Occurs when a baby is startled by a loud noise, a sudden movement, or the head falling back. The arms extend and fan out. The legs extend and then flex.
Moro (startle) reflex
Swelling caused by bleeding between the osteum and periosteum of the skull. This swelling does NOT cross suture lines. May develop jaundice.
Cephalohematoma
"Stork bite", pink red capillary on face or nape of neck. Blanchable.
Nevus simplex
Scrotal swelling caused by a collection of fluid.
Hydrocele
Connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetus, bypassing the lungs
Ductus arteriosus