Final answer:
Maternal factors such as health conditions, intrauterine growth restriction, and labor complications can increase the risk for newborn resuscitation with low Apgar scores, emphasizing the importance of heart rate and respiration in the assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maternal Factors Affecting Newborn Apgar Scores
Maternal factors that increase the risk for resuscitation in a newborn with low Apgar scores are diverse. Apgar scores are used to quickly assess the wellbeing of newborns after birth, based on heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex response, and skin coloration. Scores of 7 or below at 5 minutes may require intervention, while a score below 5 indicates an emergency. The most critical criteria within the Apgar score are heart rate and respiration. Maternal issues such as drug use, infections, and chronic conditions, as well as labor-related factors like anemia, can impair these vital signs. Additionally, low birth weight, often due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) associated with maternal or placental factors, can necessitate newborn resuscitation.
Fetal hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen differs from adult hemoglobin, relying on maternal blood for oxygen which can be compromised due to maternal health issues. Adequate fluid intake post-birth is crucial as neonatal kidneys are immature and produce dilute urine. Lastly, during labor, excessive or very strong contractions may lead to compromised oxygen delivery to the fetus, increasing the likelihood of a low Apgar score and the need for newborn resuscitation.