Recognizing and Understanding the Cold-Stressed Term Infant

Abstract

Hypothermia is an important cause of morbidity—and occasionally mortality—in the newborn. This article explains the physiology of thermoregulation and thermogenesis in term infants. Subjects include the role of the hypothalamus in heat production, causes of and ways to prevent heat loss, and establishment of a neutral thermal environment. Complications associated with cold stress and their etiologies, as well as methods for rewarming an infant, are also addressed.