Postterm newborn
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A postterm newborn is a baby delivered after gestational age of 42 weeks.
Near the end of a term pregnancy, the function of the placenta decreases, providing fewer nutrients and less oxygen to the fetus.
Low blood sugar (glucose) is a particular problem in postterm newborns.
Postterm newborns have dry, peeling, loose skin and may appear abnormally thin because they have not received sufficient nutrition at the end of the pregnancy.
The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the newborn and the estimated date of delivery.
Typically treatment focuses on providing good nutrition and general care.
Some postterm newborns are not breathing at birth and need to be revived (resuscitated).(See also Overview of General Problems in Newborns.)
Gestational age refers to how far along the fetus is. The gestational age is the number of weeks between the first day of the mother
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