Word parts
ne/o newnat birth
What it means
The medical word for a newborn. The neonatal period is a time of big changes as the baby starts breathing air, keeping warm and feeding on its own. A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) cares for sick and preterm newborns.
For the nurse
Keep the newborn warm (skin-to-skin, dry, hat), check vital signs and feeding, and watch for jaundice and low blood sugar. Two identification bands and security measures prevent mix-ups and abduction.
At a glance
| Normal range | Heart rate 110–160 beats per minute; respiratory rate 30–60 breaths per minute |
|---|---|
| Spanish | neonato, recién nacido |
| Also written | neonates, neonate's |
Related terms
infant
A baby from birth to 1 year of age.
congenital
Present at birth.
bilirubin
A yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down, which the liver clears into bile.