Neonate
Key points
- An infant is considered to be a "newborn" up to age one month.
- It is important because it represents a short period of life where changes are very rapid and when many critical events can occur.
- During the first 30 days, most congenital defects (such as congenital heart disease) are discovered.
- Genetic abnormalities may manifest themselves and it is a time when infections such as congenital herpes, group B strep, Toxoplasmosis and others are discovered as they begin to have clinical effects.
Alternative names
Newborn infant
Information
An infant is considered to be a "newborn" up to age one month. This is also called the neonatal period. It is important because it represents a short period of life where changes are very rapid and when many critical events can occur. During the first 30 days, most congenital defects (such as congenital heart disease) are discovered. Genetic abnormalities may manifest themselves and it is a time when infections such as congenital herpes, group B strep, Toxoplasmosis and others are discovered as they begin to have clinical effects.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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