Common first day problems among neonates admitted to postnatal ward in Al-Yarmouk hospital

Abstract

Background: Postnatal period is a highly vulnerable time for an infant due to physiological adjustments for extra uterine life; detailed examination for neonates should be performed within first 24 hours after birth even if they appear well and after uneventful delivery.Aim of the study: To find out the common health problems which were clarified in neonates, who were rooming in with their mothers in postnatal ward within first 24 hours of their lives. Subjects and methods: All neonates who were rooming in with their mothers during first 24hours of their lives in postnatal wards during morning visits in Al-Yarmouk teaching hospital, in the period extended (from first February 2011- 31st January 2012) were included in this study. Data about mothers, events around delivery, condition of newborns after delivery were obtained by using special questioner sheet, complete clinical examination was done for every neonate to reevaluate his health Results: Total number of neonates examined in this study were( 4396), (53.2%) were males , (2.8%) were twines ,(82.16%) of them were delivered by cesarean section .(36.87%) of examined neonates had problems, the most common problems were neonates of Rh-ve mother (9.96%) , second once was jaundice in first 24 hr (4.66%),(22.43%) of them were due to Rh-veiso immunization. The third problem was hypothermia(3.48%) , and others(18.69%).Conclusion: Even neonates who looked well in postnatal ward may had or developed problems that may threatened their lives, the common problems include Rh-ve mothers ,first 24 hrs jaundice, and hypothermia.Maternity hospital must pay attention to neonates admitted to postnatal ward, they must be checked and followed up in order to prevent problems, and prepare them for safe discharge.