One of the most memorable times of parents' lives is the birth of their child; however, not every birth results in a healthy newborn. The March of Dimes reports that a low APGAR score in a newborn indicates some type of trauma during childbirth. Low scores are a good indication of poor physical and mental development or a failure to thrive. Most newborns who need intensive care during their first few hours or days of birth generally showcase signs of poor development throughout their infancy.
APGAR Score
One of the first observations made by neonatal intensive care unit nurses and obstetricians is the APGAR score. Childbirth.org explains that APGAR is an acronym for signs that are recognized and noted at one and five minutes immediately following birth. A is for muscle tone activity, P stands for pulse, G represents grimace and reflexes, A stands for appearance and pallor and R represents respiration and breathing. Scores range between 0 and 10, with 7 to 10 indicating a healthy newborn, 4 to 6 needing some resuscitative assistance and anything below 3 needing full resuscitation.
Causes
According to KidsHealth, poor infant development and overall failure to thrive commonly have no specific cause or reason. Being unable to physically take in, retain and absorb calories needed to grow and gain sufficient weight can be life-threatening, especially if the pediatrician cannot accurately diagnose or pinpoint the problem. "American Family Physician" indicates medical causes for poor development may be premature birth, Down syndrome, endocrine deficiencies, organ malfunctions, blood disorders, infections, intrauterine growth retardation and intestinal disorders. Outside of the hospital setting, social factors can lead to poor development. These include lack of proper nutrient intake, poor hygiene, lack of bonding with another adult and environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and drastic temperature changes.
Physical Signs
Aside from the APGAR score, there are signs parents and medical staff should look for after the child is born. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford reports that these symptoms include the infant not making vocal noises or crying, avoiding eye contact, extreme tiredness, limp body, delayed motor developments and failure to create a social response such as smiling or cooing. An infant who vomits excessively, doesn't have a regular bowel movement or cries to the touch may have an underlying medical condition. Immediate medical attention is recommended.
Testing and Examination
Most poorly developing infants will remain in a neonatal intensive care unit until they are strong enough to go home. During this time, a medical care team will perform several tests and exams to pinpoint the problem and help prevent further mental and physical delays from occurring. Common tests used for making a diagnosis include a CBC blood test, hemoglobin electrophoresis, hormone studies, electrolytes, X-rays and urinalysis.
Long-Term Effects
Follow-up care with a specialist is important after the infant goes home. MedicineNet.com reports that pediatricians often use the Denver Developmental Screening Test to determine how an infant is progressing, comparing his growth with other infants in the same age group. A social work follow-up visit also may be requested. A social worker will assess the home care setting and talk with family members to ensure that the infant's needs are being met so he can progress as a healthy child.
