الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Transition from fetal to neonatal life represents a major challenge. Term infants mainly adapt spontaneously to postnatal conditions, and only a few of them will require medical support in the form of resuscitative interventions due to life-threatening complications during birth. Preterm infants are often born because of maternal problems. Because vital parameters in these infants are not disturbed, resuscitation becomes seldom necessary. However, preterm infants do often require medical support during postnatal adaptation due to immaturity of organ systems. The process of postnatal adaptation and the need for interventions varies between infants. Thus, an individual approach with a careful evaluation of the postnatal condition is required.
Following birth, the newborn undertakes a significant adaptive process called the transition to extra uterine life. Transition is one of the greatest challenges a newborn must overcome and can take up to 2–4 weeks to complete. The process involves initiating and maintaining respirations, thermoregulation, and the change from foetal (shunt dependent) circulation to newborn circulation. Factors such as gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, a significant intrapartum event, a congenital defect or infection can delay this process.
Even though the majority of newborns successfully adapt to extra uterine life, some experience difficulty. Therefore, if delay or compromise during this time is not recognized in a timely manner, the newborn can experience a serious adverse event.
Recent patient safety mandates have prompted improvements in the care of newborns in health care settings all overseas.