Differences in postnatal hypothermia in newborns immediately after birth in different health care settings in India

Hypothermia is increasingly recognized as a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in resource poor settings. High prevalence of hypothermia has been reported widely from warmer high mortality regions of Africa and South Asia. The World Health Organization recognizes newborn thermal care as a critical and essential component of essential newborn care; however, hypothermia continues to remain under-documented, under-recognized and under-managed. Statement of the Problem: Immediately after birth it is crucial for the newborns to maintain normal body temperature for successful transitional adaptation. Postnatal thermal adaptation of newborns requires essential newborn care to be provided by health care professionals and close family members of the baby.