MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Neonate

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Neonate

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Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition Information

Illustrations

Neonate

Alternative Names Return to top

Newborn

Definition Return to top

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

Information Return to top

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 others medical conditions become apparent in the neonatal period as they begin to have effects on the baby.

Update Date: 10/23/2007

Updated 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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