by V.L. Holme

Created on: November 25, 2008   Last Updated: December 05, 2008

Neonatology is the study of the newborn infant. Neonatologists diagnose and treat newborns who are born prematurely, of low birth weight, with congenital malformations or following a birth injury. Approximately 12% of U.S. babies are born prematurely, or before 37 weeks gestation. Nearly 500,000 deaths each year are attributed to complications of prematurity. Today, our smallest new citizens have a much better chance of survival due to advancements in research and a better understanding of newborn needs.

Learn more about what neonatology research has provided to medical practice and how this may affect you as a new parent.

The APGAR Scoring System

It wasn't until the 1950's that a system for monitoring the clinical condition of a newborn was developed. APGAR scoring is now widely used as a reliable means for measuring newborn health.

APGAR refers to the units of measure taken at 1 minute, 5 minutes and 10 minutes after birth. Appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration are observed and a score between 0 and 10 is given. Normal babies hover in the 7 to 10 range, while babies scoring under 7 require special care. If a baby, for instance, appears blue in color and has weak respiration, this may be a sign of airway obstruction caused by mucus or birth injury. A baby with pink color, lots of movement and strong respiration is considered well and healthy.

APGAR scores give the nurse and physician a quick estimate of how well the baby is doing during those crucial first minutes. If signs of distress are evident, the physician is able to intervene immediately to lessen the possibility of brain damage.

My son was born post-term, almost 10 days overdue, and survived a grueling 18 hour labour. What a relief to finally get to meet him after 3 hours of pushing. My doctor placed him on my chest, he took his first breath and then proceeded to turn blue. He wasn't breathing and had a first APGAR score of 3. I have never seen doctor's move so quickly. A neonatal specialist came bounding into our room while nurses provided CPR and started trying to intubate my son almost immediately. His APGAR score at 5 minutes went up to 7 as he eventually coughed up the mucus that had clogged his trachea.

Neonatal Intensive Care

If a newborn has low APGAR score's and requires more intensive care, he/she is often admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and cared for by a neonatologist or pediatrician. NICU's provide a specialized environment for newborns and include equipment like

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