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Some of the changes occur quite quickly whereas others, such as reaction to organisms, occur over a period of time when they are no longer as reliant on the passive immunity acquired from mother
and start producing their own active immunity to various organisms.
WEIGHT AND LENGTH MEASUREMENTS
The average newborn baby will weigh somewhere between 3 - 4kg. Boys are slightly heavier generally
than girls and often second and subsequent children will be heavier also.
It is normal for all newborn babies to lose up to 10% of their bodyweight in the first three days of life. This is due to the
loss of tissue fluid, the passing of meconium (baby's first stool which is black-green in colour, thick and sticky) and inadequate nutrition and fluid. Once breastfeeding or formula feeding is established,
weight gain should be in the vicinity of 30 grams per day and all newborn babies should be back to their birth weight by 2 weeks.
The average length of a baby is 50-56 cm. The average head
circumference is 34cm, although moulding during passage through the birth canal can often cause a deviation to this measurement.
EYES
Some newborn babies will be born with small, conjunctival
haemorrhages, red in colour. These haemorrhages will disappear during the first ten days of life. Babies initially may also have transient squint which normally will disappear over a period of time, usually
by three months of age. Eye colour can change during the first year of life.
LIMBS
The newborn baby's limbs should move freely. Babies are examined soon after birth for dislocated hips. This
condition happens more frequently in girls than boys and is more common in breech presentations.
THE CORD
After being clamped at birth, the cord will dry and shrivel before separating completely
somewhere around 2 weeks.
GENITALIA
Boys and girls are obviously different but frequently, more than a quick glance is needed to establish sex. In breech deliveries genitalia can often be bruised
and swollen.
SKIN
At birth, babies are born with a creamy, white-yellow substance called vernix caseosa covering the skin. This is secreted by the sebaceous glands and acts as a lubricant during
birth and helps the baby to maintain heat. Premature babies are often born with lanugo, a downy fluff, on their skin.
SENSES
Newborn babies can taste, hear and see. Though these senses are not well
developed at birth, increasing vision, hearing and taste occurs over the first three months and these senses continue to develop thereafter.
REFLEXES
Newborn babies are born with certain reflexes
that your Doctor will check after birth.
Moro Reflex
The baby's body is supported in the supine (back) position and the head is lifted and allowed to drop 2cms. The baby will then throw out his/her
arms briskly with extension of elbows and fingers, followed by an arm embracing movement.
Rooting and Seeking Reflex
When a baby's cheek is touched by a finger, the baby will turn its head to that side.
Grasp Reflex
The baby will firmly hold a finger placed in its palm.
Stepping
The baby when held in the standing position with feet flat on the surface will make stepping movements.
APGAR
All newborn babies are given an Apgar score at one minute and five minutes after birth. This gives Doctors and Nurses a clue to the medical wellbeing of a baby.
Many parents are often concerned about
a particular perceived problem that their baby has. Consultation with your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist will often give parents the reassurance that they require or, if a problem does exist will ensure early
detection and the appropriate treatment to be undertaken. |
