Neonatology << `nee` oh nay TOL uh jee >> is the branch of medicine concerned with the care of infants during the first 28 days of life. The highest death rate in life occurs during this period, which is known as the neonatal period. A doctor who specializes in the care of newborn infants is called a neonatologist.
The major cause of neonatal death is premature birth—that is birth before the pregnancy reaches term. Birth occurs at term if it happens from the 38th through the 41st week of pregnancy. The more prematurely the baby is born, the less it weighs and the higher its risk of death. Most neonatal deaths occur among infants who weigh less than 51/2 pounds (2.5 kilograms) at birth. The average weight of a baby born at term is 71/2 pounds (3.4 kilograms). Many neonatal deaths also result from birth defects in the infant or medical problems of the mother, such as infectious diseases.
Many major medical centers have a neonatal intensive care unit. There, sick infants are usually cared for by a team of neonatologists, neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, pediatric and surgical consultants, and other supporting staff. Advancements in neonatal intensive care have made it possible for infants born as much as 12 to 18 weeks prematurely to survive.
