At what point should resuscitation efforts begin for a newborn?

Resuscitation efforts for a newborn should begin if the newborn is not breathing or has a heart rate below 100 beats per minute. This guideline is based on the understanding that a newborn in distress may exhibit signs such as inadequate breathing or a significantly low heart rate, which are critical indicators of the need for resuscitation.

A newborn that is not breathing requires immediate intervention to establish adequate ventilation and oxygenation, as failure to do so can lead to severe complications or death. Additionally, a heart rate below 100 beats per minute indicates that the newborn is not effectively circulating blood and oxygen, which also necessitates prompt resuscitative measures.

Recognizing signs of distress alone may not be sufficient to determine the need for resuscitation; specific clinical criteria are essential. While being unresponsive is a concerning sign, effective resuscitation must prioritize breathing and heart rate since these are directly linked to the infant’s immediate survival. Immediate intervention after birth for every newborn, regardless of their condition, is more aligned with standard protocols for normal transitions but does not replace the need for specific assessments related to breathing and heart rate. Thus, the correct course of action focuses on these direct indicators of the newborn’s physiological state.