New Born Characteristics

NEW BORN CHARACTERISTICS

Measurements

·            Length : The normal range of height ranges from 47.5 cms to 53.75cms.

·            Weight: The normal full term infant weighs between 2700 gms and 3850 gms.    

·           Head circumference : Usually 33cms – 37cms

·           Chest circumference : The chest circumference is about 30-33cms

·           Skin : The skin is pink or red. In the black newborn reddish black.

The skin may be covered with vernix caseosa, a cheese like greasy yellowish white substance.

Lanugos is a very thin, soft distribution of fine hair over the body. Most evident on the shoulders, extremities, forehead and temporal.

·           Ear: New born’s ear cartilages are well formed.

·           Female genitalia: Labio majora are fully formed and the clitoris is not prominent.

·            Male genitalia: Scrotum is well developed pendulous and testes are well down in the scrotal sac.

·            Apgar Score:- The APGAR score was formulated by Dr. VIRGINIA APGAR in the 1950 as a way of assessing the baby’s condition at birth and the need for resuscitation. Five inter related variables assessed at 1,5 and 10 minutes.

Total score – 10

No depression – 7-10

Mild 4-7

Severe 1-4

The scores are added and the total score is documented. Babies scoring above seven rarely need resuscitation. The APGAR score which is undertaken to determine how well the baby is adjusting from intrauterine to extra uterine life.

•            Vital Signs:Axiliary temperature 36.5o C – 37.6o C Heart rate 120 – 140/minute Respiration 40-60 /minute

•            Grasp reflex : Mature newborn’s grasp is strong.