Characteristics of the Newborn

Physical characteristics of the newborn

Weight
The average weight of a normal full term baby is around 3.0 kg ( 2.5 kg -3.0 kg)
The neonate losses the weight about 10% of birth weight in first 10 days due to
loss of excessive extracellular fluid and meconium
10
th
day onwards baby gain weight by 25-30gms /day
Length
The crown to heel length of newborn baby is 48-53cm
Head Circumference
Immediately after birth , molding of skull may give inaccurate measurement of
head circumference
It should be measured after 48 hours
The normal head circumference is 33cm 35 cm
Chest circumference
It is about 31cm 33 cm ie 2cm-3cm less than the head circumference
Physiological Characteristics of the Newborn
Respiratory system
The chemical stimuli ( change in pH) and thermal stimulation are the primary
stimuli that stimulates the respiratory center in the brain
Fetal lung fluid is removed by pulmonary capillaries and lymphatic vessels
The respiratory rate varies between 30 60 breaths/ min
Circulatory changes
Circulatory changes takes place with respiratory changes
The transition from fetal circulation to postnatal circulation involves the
functional closure of the fetal shunts : the foramen ovale, the ductus arteriosus and
eventually the ductus venosus
The heart rate varies between 120 160 beats /min and the blood pressure ranges
from systolic 60 -80 mmHg & Diastolic 25 -40 mmHg.
Thermoregulation
A thermo genic source unique to the full term infant is brown adipose tissue (or)
Brown fat , it contains larger amount of mitochondrial cytochromes
The heat production mainly by shivering
Non shivering heat production done by cellular respiration
Brown fat superficially located between the scapula , around the neck, axilla and
behind the sternum,
Deep layers surround the kidneys , trachea, esophagus some major arteries and
adrenals.
Blood
Neonate blood volume is about 80-85ml /kg body weight
The ECF has higher levels of sodium and chloride and lower level of potassium,
magnesium and phosphate
Hemoglobin is 18 mg% and life span of fetal RBC is 60-80 days
Gastro intestinal System
The ability of the newborn to digest absorb and metabolize food stuff is adequate
limited in certain functions.
Rooting, Sucking Swallowing reflexes help in taking food
Cardiac sphincter of the stomach is immature leading to regurgitation and
frequent vomiting
The neonates stomach capacity is about 90 ml and emptying time is short so they
require small frequent feeds
The neonates liver is immature. it stores less glycogen so neonates has higher
risk for hypoglycemia
Bilirubin conjugation is also affected it leads to physiological jaundice
The neonates first stool is meconium which is sticky and greenish black in color.
Passage of meconium should be within 36 hours of birth.
Renal System
The ability of the immature kidneys to concentrate urine is less and bladder
capacity above 15ml only, so the neonate may void urine 15-20 times/day
The first voiding should be occur with first 24 hrs
Integumentary system
The neonates skin is very fine and delicate so even slight friction can lead to
injury or blisters
The larger surface area may leads to fluid loss by evaporation
The sebaceous glands are active in neonates and are mostly located in face, scalp
and genitalia and produce greasy cheesy material called Vernix caseosa that
covers the baby skin.
Endocrine System
The endocrine glands are almost formed but their function are immature
Musculoskeletal System
At birth the skeletal system contains larger amounts of cartilage than the ossified
bone
Muscular system is completely developed
Nervous system
At birth the nervous system is incompletely integrated but sufficiently developed
to sustain extra uterine life
Most neurological functions are primitive reflexes