Why do newborns have more RBCs, HGB, and HCT?

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I am wondering what's the pathophysiology behind this concept...anyone knows why?

:confused:

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Specializes in Emergency.

If they are held below the level of the placenta before the placenta is born, gravity can bring extra blood to the baby causing hyperemia. There may be other causes but I can't think of too many at this moment.

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Specializes in Corrections, neurology, dialysis.

I smell a homework question.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
I smell a homework question.

The first poster is correct, that positioning of the newly delivered infant and cord at the time of delivery can impact the baby's hemoglobin and hematocrit counts.

But I doubt that is the answer the teacher is looking for. Can the OP explain to us why a fetus would need to have more circulating red blood cells than a healthy, term newborn needs after birth?

BTW, this is not pathophysiology. It is normal human fetal development.

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Can the OP explain to us why a fetus would need to have more circulating red blood cells than a healthy, term newborn needs after birth?

Additionally, can the OP explain how those RBC's in the term NB differ from those of an adult and what that means for the baby?

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I don't understand how the position of the baby comes into play... are the vessels wide open and allowing blood to drain out of the placenta to flow into the baby?

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I'll give you a hint; look into the normal workings of the newborn liver.

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