Meconium is the earliest stools of an infant. Unlike later feces, meconium is composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus. Meconium is almost sterile, unlike later feces, is viscous and sticky like tar, and has no odor. It should be completely passed by the end of the first few […]
Fetal acidosis (antenatal period)
Fetal Acidosis occurs when the chemistry of an infant’s body, specifically blood plasma, becomes too acidic, or falls below a 7.35 on the Ph scale. Fetal Acidosis is a complication often associated with fetal hypoxia and the loss of oxygen during childbirth. This acidity in body chemistry can cause complications including severe and permanent brain […]
APGAR Scores (antenatal period)
The Apgar score is a number calculated by scoring the heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, skin color, and reflex irritability. Each of these objective signs can receive 0, 1, or 2 points. A perfect Apgar score of 10 means an infant is in the best possible condition. An infant with an Apgar score of […]
