Neonatal Resuscitation

A number of antepartum and intrapartum factors can disrupt the normal newborn transition from intrauterine life to extrauterine life after birth. The primary objective of neonatal care at birth is to facilitate this transition, and the single most important priority is establishment of adequate lung inflation and ventilation after birth. Failed transition or inadequate support of this transition can increase the risk for hypotension, hypoxemia, and the potential for cerebral and other injuries during the intrapartum period. Therefore, it is critical that evidence-based principles of neonatal resuscitation as described in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) be applied in an effort to attenuate or even reverse pathologic processes originating in utero. Optimal resuscitation requires anticipation, preparation, intense collaboration, and effective communication between and among the obstetric and neonatal team members.