Vitamin K activates clotting factors in newborns, preventing dangerous bleeding during their first days of life. The Role of Vitamin K in Blood Clotting Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a fundamental role in blood coagulation. It acts as a coenzyme for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which modifies specific proteins required for blood […]

Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes newborns’ vital signs, promotes bonding, and supports breastfeeding success immediately after birth. The Immediate Impact on Newborn Physiology Skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and their caregiver, often the mother, triggers a cascade of physiological benefits. Right after birth, placing the infant directly on the parent’s bare chest helps regulate the baby’s heart

Respiratory Syncytial Virus begins in newborns through close contact with infected droplets, leading to initial infection in the upper respiratory tract. Understanding the Initial Infection Process RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, targets the respiratory system, particularly affecting newborns due to their immature immune responses. The virus typically enters the body via inhalation of tiny droplets

Phototherapy treats newborn jaundice by using specific light wavelengths to break down excess bilirubin in the baby’s skin. The Science Behind Newborn Jaundice Jaundice in newborns occurs when there’s a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In adults, the liver efficiently processes bilirubin, converting it into

Newborn stool changes from thick, sticky meconium to softer, yellowish textures as feeding begins and digestion matures. The Journey of Newborn Stool: From Meconium to Mature Bowel Movements Newborn stool undergoes distinct and rapid transformations during the first weeks of life. Right after birth, babies pass what’s called meconium—a thick, tar-like substance composed mainly of

Newborn screening detects hidden disorders early through a simple blood test, enabling timely treatment and improved health outcomes. The Purpose and Importance of Newborn Screening Newborn screening serves as a critical public health tool designed to identify infants at risk for certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and functional conditions that may not be apparent at birth.

Newborn hearing screening quickly detects hearing loss by measuring ear responses to sound using non-invasive tests shortly after birth. Understanding the Need for Early Hearing Screening Newborns can face hearing challenges that may not be obvious at birth. Detecting hearing loss early is crucial because it impacts speech, language development, and social skills. Babies who

Newborns develop urinary tract infections primarily due to bacterial entry through the urethra, often linked to hygiene, anatomical factors, or medical procedures. Understanding the Basics of Urinary Tract Infections in Newborns Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in newborns occur when bacteria invade any part of the urinary system—kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. In infants, UTIs can

Maternal stress during pregnancy can alter newborn brain development, immune function, and stress response, impacting lifelong health. Maternal Stress and Its Biological Pathways Stress experienced by a mother during pregnancy triggers a cascade of biological reactions that can influence the developing fetus. The primary mechanism involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates cortisol production—the body’s

Jaundice in newborns causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin, requiring timely monitoring to prevent complications. The Basics of Bilirubin and Newborn Physiology Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In adults, the liver processes bilirubin efficiently, converting it into a form that the