Manisha Bhandankar
KLES University, India
Title: Differences in postnatal hypothermia in newborns immediately after birth in different health care settings in India
Biography
Biography: Manisha Bhandankar
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Immediately after birth it is crucial for the newborns to maintain normal body temperature for successful transitional adaptation. Postnatal thermal adaptation of newborns requires essential newborn care to be provided by health care professionals and close family members of the baby. The number of institutional deliveries has increased in India in the last decade but has not much altered the neonatal mortality rate. Provision of essential newborn care through education and training is of paramount importance to this effect. This study shows how the postnatal thermal adaptation differs for newborns delivered in tertiary care hospital and primary health centers in India.
Methodology: We continuously recorded and plotted changes in both abdominal and sole skin temperature from birth to 12 hours of life in term newborns delivered vaginally.
Findings: Neonates are under significant cold stress when delivered in primary health centres due to limited resources and lack of awareness among health professionals.