Infancy

Aims and objectives At the end of this session, students will be able to: Name 2 Reflexes that can be seen in a newborn baby Describe the method a midwife will use to assess the physical condition of a baby at birth.

Apgar Score Developed in 1952 and named after Virginia Apgar It is a series of tests designed to assess the physical condition of a baby at birth. Test is quick, painless and non- invasive. The assessment is done at 1 minute of age and repeated at 5 minutes of age. Score above 7 is considered good health

Apgar Score

Reflexes A reflex is an involuntary action which is usually instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus. Babies are born with some reflexes called Primitive Reflexes which are not seen in adults... What are they?

When something is put in a baby’s hand it will grasp it tightly

Startle Reflex When startled by a sudden movement or loud noise the baby will suddenly throw his arms out, arch back and straighten legs.

Step Reflex Walking reflex – when a baby’s foot is put on a solid surface the baby will step and perform a walking movement.

Rooting Relfex The baby will turn their head to the side when the cheek is touched.

Newborn babies are: Helpless Lacking in co-ordination- unable to sit, control head movements, use their hands to move objects with meaning

They very quickly learn to Interact with people – smiling, cooing, recognising human faces