Resuscitation of the term and preterm infant

The vast majority of newborn infants make the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life uneventfully, however there are a significant number who do require some assistance to make this transition. The unique physiology at this time needs to be taken into account when commencing resuscitation efforts. When a newborn infant requires assistance to make the transition to extrauterine life this usually takes the form of basic airway and breathing management, with more advanced airway management and chest compressions needed in fewer cases and pharmacological support only needed in rare cases.