While some babies transition to life outside their mother’s womb easily, others might need medical help. Ideally, a baby must cry, breathe, and respond after birth. However, 1 in 10 babies require a neonatologist in Mulund who can initiate resuscitation when necessary. Neonatal resuscitation is the medical procedure to help newborns breathe and cry normally.
The steps can range from gently stimulating the newborn to administering chest compressions or medications to save their life. Let’s take a closer look at the resuscitation process, including how it’s conducted and how it can benefit newborns.
Common Indications for Neonatal Resuscitation
Not every baby needs medical assistance after birth. Some may go home the same day. These are the indications that your baby may need resuscitation:
Premature Birth
Lungs are among the last organs of a baby to develop in the womb. If a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation, there’s a slightly higher chance that they may need medical help right after birth. Immature lungs combined with low energy levels can make it harder for them to adapt to the outside world.
Respiratory Distress
Preemies and even full-term babies might show signs of respiratory distress. Breathing too fast or too slow, a weak cry or not crying at all, and a blue tint around the lips are all signs of distress.
Respiratory distress occurs when the baby’s lungs are immature, they have inhaled meconium, or their lungs are filled with fluid. A common sign of respiratory distress is chest retractions. Newborns struggling with breathing and infection may need ventilation.
Birth Asphyxia
A baby might not get sufficient oxygen during labor or after birth. This occurs when labor lasts longer than usual, or there are issues with the placenta or umbilical cord.
Birth asphyxia can make a baby unresponsive after they are born. Their heart rate might also be slow. These babies require immediate resuscitation to prevent brain damage from a lack of oxygen.
Assessment and Preparation
As soon as the baby is born, healthcare experts in the pediatric clinic in Mulund note the baby’s vital signs, including heart rate, skin color, breathing, and response to stimulation. If the baby has a low heart rate (lower than 100 beats per minute), turns pale, or is unable to breathe properly, immediate resuscitation is considered.
Steps in Neonatal Resuscitation
The healthcare team will carefully assess the baby’s vitals and offer support based on what the baby is struggling with.
Airway Management:
The first step is clearing the baby’s airway so the baby can breathe normally. The neonatologist may suction the nose and/or mouth if they suspect fluid in the airways. If they still can’t breathe, breathing support may be necessary.
Breathing Support:
Supplemental oxygen is administered to the baby to ensure their organs are getting sufficient oxygen.
Circulation:
Chest compressions are given if the heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute. Additional medication is administered to stimulate their heart.
The sooner the resuscitation begins, the higher the survival rate goes. That’s why neonatologists often focus on administering medication and support within 1-2 minutes to improve the survival rate of the newborn.