Page 80 - 2023 Elctronic Book (3) Normal Labor_Neat

• Umbilical cord

o Double ligation may be used. The first at 5 -cm from umbilicus to prevent
strangulation of a congenital umbilical hernia. The second at 2 cm further
for security.

o A disposable plastic clamp may also be used and placed 3-5 cm from the
umbilicus.
o The excess cord is cut off.
o Nowadays, alcohol gauze and bandage are not applied to the stump.

• Weight and measurements:
o Weigh the infant after birth. The normal weight is 2.5- 3.5 kg.

o Measure its length. The average length is 50 cm.
o Measure its circumferences. The head and chest circumferences are I 3
inches.

• Care of eyes:
o The eyes are washed with sterile warm water.
o Erythromycin ointment is the drug of choice now.

• Vitamin K: should be given to prevent bleeding.
• identification:
o It is very important to identify the infant by its sex, and its mother's name.

o An identity bracelet is placed around the infant's wrist or ankle.
o A wrist or ankle band or a foot print may be used.

• Position:
o The head of the infant should be placed lower than the body in order to
drain mucus and secretions by gravity, stimulate the brain centers, and
improve circulation. This is done only to the full term babies. ·

• Examinations: It is very important to examine the infant properly to
determine whether any abnormalities are present.

o General appearance:
 Color.
 Respiration.
 Muscle tone.

 Temperature.
o Assessment of head and neck:

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