What is the difference between a term and a preterm newborn in terms of resuscitation needs?

The correct answer highlights an essential aspect of newborn care: preterm newborns often have greater needs for respiratory support due to their immature lungs.

Preterm infants, born before 37 weeks of gestation, usually have underdeveloped lungs that may not produce sufficient surfactant, a substance crucial for keeping the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) open. This can lead to conditions such as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), which is characterized by difficulty breathing and inadequate oxygenation. As a result, preterm newborns may require more intensive respiratory assistance, which might include supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation, compared to term newborns, who are generally better equipped to breathe on their own due to more fully developed lungs.

In contrast, term newborns, typically born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, usually do not exhibit the same levels of respiratory distress and, thus, often require less aggressive interventions. They can typically transition to breathing air on their own without significant support immediately after birth.

Understanding these differences is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively assess and manage the needs of newborns based on their gestational age and adapt their resuscitation efforts accordingly.