Neonatal is a term often used in medical contexts to refer to newborn babies. The spelling of neonatal reflects its Greek and Latin origins. The word is pronounced /ni.əʊˈneɪ.təl/ with four syllables. The first syllable, "neo," comes from the Greek word meaning "new." The second syllable, "na," comes from the Latin word "natus," which means "born." Finally, the ending "-tal" comes from the Latin word "natalis," which means "related to birth" or "originating at birth." Together, they form the word neonatal, meaning "related to the first four weeks after birth."
Neonatal refers to the period immediately following birth and specifically pertains to newborn babies during the first 28 days of life. Derived from the Latin words "neo" meaning new and "natalis" meaning birth, the term neonatal is commonly used in the medical field and focuses on the health and care of infants during this critical early stage.
Neonatal may also be used to describe medical conditions or procedures that are associated with newborns. Neonatal care encompasses a wide range of medical interventions, including the monitoring and treatment of infants who are born prematurely or with medical conditions that require specialized attention. Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by trained professionals who provide focused care for critically ill or premature newborns.
In addition to medical care, neonatal care also includes addressing the essential needs of newborns such as feeding, maintaining body temperature, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. Specialized healthcare providers, including neonatologists, nurses, and respiratory therapists, play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive care for newborns during the neonatal period.
Overall, the term neonatal refers to the healthcare provided to newborn infants in the first 28 days of life, encompassing both medical interventions and essential care to promote their well-being and healthy development.
Relating to the period immediately succeeding birth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "neonatal" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "neo" meaning "new" and "natal" meaning "birth". The term specifically refers to the period immediately following birth, typically the first 28 days of life, and is commonly used in medical and healthcare contexts.