Fetal and Neonatal Thermal Physiology

Humans have the ability to regulate their body temperature in a narrow range. Infants have decreased ability to regulate their body temperature, producing heat through non-shivering thermogenesis. This review describes the physiology of non-shivering thermogenesis in the term infant and the deficiencies inherent in premature birth related to heat production. Heat loss occurs due to radiation, conduction, convection and evaporation. These factors influence neonates after birth and contribute to periods of heat loss.