Examination of the Newborn

Book excerpt: Newborn babies are examined within the first 6 to 72 hours after their birth to rule out major congenital abnormalities and reassure the parents that their baby is healthy. This practical text is a step-by-step guide for all practitioners who undertake this clinical examination. It is particularly valuable for midwives and nurses taking Examination of the Newborn modules as well as a useful reference work for those already performing this role. It provides midwives and other practitioners with a comprehensive guide to the holistic examination of the newborn infant. Examination of the Newborn encourages the reader to view each mother and baby as unique, taking into account their experiences preconceptually, antenatally and through childbirth. The text covers: role of the first examination as a screening tool normal fetal development parents' concerns and how to respond to them the impact of antenatal diagnostic screening the events of labour and birth the clinical examination of the neonate the identification and management of congenital abnormalities accountability and legal issues. This new edition is thoroughly revised throughout to meet current Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and National Screening Committee standards. It includes a new chapter on the context and effectiveness of the examination and increased coverage of the impact of intrapartum management on the newborn, including fetal monitoring, place of birth, mode of birth and pain relief. Case scenarios, model answers, questions and further reading help the reader to apply the content to their own practice.