Examination of the Newborn

Newborn babies are examined within the first 24 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 undertaking Examination of the Newborn modules as well as an invaluable reference work for those already undertaking this role. It provides midwives and other practitioners concerned with neonatal examination 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 NMC standards 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. Table of Contents 1. Examination of the newborn: where are we now? 2. In the beginning 3. Fetal development: influential factors 4. Assessment of fetal wellbeing 5. Risks to the fetus during childbirth 6. Neonatal examination 7. Abnormal findings and congenital abnormalities 8. Accountability and effective care