Neonatal assessment and resuscitation

The immediate newborn period is a critical time for an individual as the transition is made from foetal to neonatal life. The separation of the neonate from the mother and the placenta requires many physiologic adjustments necessary for survival in a completely new environment. The physiologic processes necessary to accomplish this transition smoothly are complex and involve various adjustments of multiple organ systems, which are often interrelated. When the transition does not occur smoothly the newborn infant can become seriously ill. Some of the adaptations made by a neonate in the first few minutes of life are visible to an astute observer. The practice of neonatal resuscitation establishes a routine of early evaluation of the transition process and allows for provision of interventions to assist the infant with elements of the transition as necessary. The aim of the present essay is to focus alight on the neonatal assessment and resuscitation.