The neonatal period refers to the first 4 weeks of life beginning at birth. This is a vulnerable time period for a neonate’s health and development. Infant mortality most often occurs during the neonatal period. According to the World Health Organization, internationally, 44% of infant deaths under the age of 5 occur during the first 4 weeks of life. This entry provides insight into neonatal health and development issues, including nutrition, reflexes, and sleeping patterns, and outlines several approaches to neonatal assessment.

Neonatal Health

Infant health during the neonatal period sets the trajectory for all later growth and development. In the moments and days after birth, newborn infants must make the successful transition from the womb to surviving outside of their mother. This transition includes a ...

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