Neonatal period
Neonatal period
The Neonatal period (pronounced: nee-oh-NAY-tuhl PEER-ee-uhd) is the first 28 days of life, from the time of birth to the end of the fourth week. The term is derived from the Greek words "neos" meaning new, and "natal" meaning relating to birth or origin.
Definition
The neonatal period is a critical phase in the life of an infant. It is a time of significant physiological changes as the newborn adapts to the extrauterine environment. This period is divided into two phases: the early neonatal period, which covers the first seven days of life, and the late neonatal period, which covers the rest of the month.
Related Terms
- Birth: The process of child bearing from the start of contractions to delivery.
- Infant: A child in the earliest period of life, especially before he or she can walk.
- Postnatal: The period immediately after birth.
- Prenatal: The period of time before birth.
- Perinatal: The period shortly before, during, and immediately after birth.
Health Considerations
The neonatal period is a time of high risk for infants, with the majority of neonatal deaths occurring in the first week of life. The most common causes of neonatal mortality include preterm birth complications, intrapartum related events, and sepsis.
See Also
- Neonatology: The medical specialty of taking care of newborn babies, sick babies, and premature babies.
- Pediatrics: The branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 18.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neonatal period
- Wikipedia's article - Neonatal period
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