Should resuscitation be automatically performed on all newborns regardless of gestational age?

In the context of newborn resuscitation, it is essential to consider the viability and outcomes associated with extremely preterm infants. Resuscitation is not automatically performed on all newborns, particularly those born at or before 25 weeks of gestation. At this gestational age, the likelihood of survival is significantly lower, and these infants often experience severe complications. Therefore, medical guidelines generally indicate a more cautious approach for extremely preterm newborns, where the attributions of clinical judgment and survival outcomes must be carefully weighed before deciding on resuscitation efforts.

For infants born at higher gestational ages, the chances of successful resuscitation and better neurologic outcomes increase. Thus, resuscitation decisions are often based on gestational age, clinical presentation, and the likelihood of survival with reasonable quality of life. This situational approach allows healthcare professionals to make more informed and compassionate decisions, particularly when it concerns extremely vulnerable populations like those born under 25 weeks of gestation.