If a newborn is born with a limp, what should your first action be?

When a newborn is born with a limp, the most immediate and crucial response involves providing warmth and assessing the airway. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia, so ensuring they maintain a stable body temperature is essential. Additionally, a limp presentation may indicate a compromised airway, which could hinder their ability to breathe effectively. By assessing the airway first, you can ensure that there are no obstructions or other issues that could further impair their respiratory function.

Establishing warmth and securing a patent airway are foundational steps that can stabilize the newborn before more advanced interventions are considered. If the newborn shows signs of severe distress or unresponsiveness during these initial actions, then further steps such as resuscitation may become necessary, but stabilization through warmth and airway assessment remains the priority.