What is the role of providing thermal care during resuscitation of a newborn?

Providing thermal care during the resuscitation of a newborn is crucial primarily to prevent hypothermia and maintain normal body temperature. Newborns are particularly susceptible to temperature loss due to their large surface area relative to their body mass, limited subcutaneous fat, and the moist environment of the delivery room. Maintaining normothermia is vital for several reasons: it supports metabolic processes, enhances the newborn's ability to stabilize their heart rate and respiratory function, and reduces the risk of complications associated with hypothermia, including increased oxygen consumption and the potential for severe physiological stress.

While monitoring, skin-to-skin contact, and respiratory effort are important aspects of newborn care, the foremost priority during the initial resuscitation phase is ensuring that the infant maintains an appropriate body temperature to prevent hypothermic-related complications. Ensuring warmth is a foundational part of successful resuscitation practices, thus making thermal care a critical component in supporting the overall health and recovery of the newborn.