17Problems of the Newborn

anoxia

temporary lack of oxygen to the brain

anoxia

cause: difficulties during delivery

result: brain damage or death

anoxia

this + low birth weight = suffer learning disabilities later in life

low birth weight

they weight less than 5 pounds 8 ounces (2.5k)

low birth weight

babies have difficulty maintaining adequate body temperature because they lack fat

fat

provides insulation for the baby

low birth weight

more at risk for infection, they may also be preterm = respiratory infection, have increased risk of developing cerebral palsy

low birth weight

connected with small but significant increase in psychiatric disorders in adulthood: (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, depression, OCD)

low birth weight

reduced fetal growth = compromises brain development during critical period = more risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and all mental health conditions

preterm

baby was born less than 37 weeks gestation

preterm/early birth

this can be birth by anything that disrupts the mother's system like vaginal infections

vaginal infection

causes the mother to release anti-inflammatory chemicals which can trigger contractions

preterm

consequence: respiratory distress syndrome

respiratory distress syndrome

characterized by weak and irregular breathing

small-for-date infants

infants that have birth weights that are below expectations based on their gestational age

small-for-date infants

infants that may be full term or preterm, but still weigh less than babies of the same gestational age

small-for-date infants

indicates that their growth was adversely affected and they've died at higher rates than other infants