THE EFFECT OF MODES OF DELIVERY OF THE NEW BORN INFANTS ON THE NEUROLOGICAL ADAPTATION

Abstract

Infants delivered by vacuum extraction or other operative techniques may be more likely to sustain major injuries than those delivered spontaneously, but the extent of the risk is unknown. Therefore, assessment of the neonate immediately after birth is a critical function of the nurse. The assessment of physical and neurological findings to determine gestational age is important because prenatal morbidity and mortality are related to gestational age and birth weight. Ballard scale is commonly used to determine and assess gestational age of the baby. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the mode of delivery on the neurologi(;al adaptation of the newborn infants. The study was conducted at two settings in Menoufyia governorate, namely Shebin El-Kom teaching hospital, and Quisna hospital. The total sample was 160 women who were in labor. The women' sample was divided into four main groups. The inclusion criteria were full­ term deliveries, at least 37 weeks of gestation, with no suspicion of fetal disease. Both primipara and multipara were included, as well as malpresentations. The methods of data collection included an interview and a physical assessment sheets for the women, Apgar scoring sheet used to assess the physical condition of the neonate, and Ballad scale used to assess the neonates physically and neurologically.