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Neonate


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Neonate
Neonate
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Definition

A neonate is a baby who is 4 weeks old or younger.


Alternative Names

Newborn


Information

A neonate is also called a newborn. The neonatal period -- the first 4 weeks of a child's life -- represents a time when changes are very rapid and many critical events can occur.

During the first 30 days, most present from birth (congenital) defects are discovered. Genetic abnormalities may show up. Infections, such as congenital herpes, Group B Streptococcus, toxoplasmosis, and other medical conditions become apparent in the neonatal period as they begin to have effects on the baby.



Review Date: 10/23/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.




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