Maternal Report of Perinatal Information as a Predictor of Cardiopulmonary Functioning in the Neonate

This study examined the relationship between neonates cardiopulmonary
condition and relevant information from the perinatal period. Multiple regression analyses showed that a linear
composite of mother’s report of perinatal information accounted for a significant amount of the variability in three
of the five APGAR components at one minute (i.e., Heart Rate, Respiratory Effort, and Reflex Irritability) and all
five APGAR components at five minutes. The results were interpreted as lending support to the utility of
structured maternal report of perinatal information. Perinatal risk factors refer to potential etiological events
occurring during a period extending from the 12th week of gestation through the 28th day of the neonates life.
Although modern medical technology has decreased the risks involved in giving birth, as many as eight percent
of all live births result in perinatal complications (Behrman, 1981). Moreover, the children born under these high
risk conditions have been shown to have an increased incidence of childhood developmental disorders (e.g.,
Commey &Fitzhardinge, 1979; Field, Dempsey, &Shuman, 1981; Hobel, 1985; Pfeiffer, Heffernan, &Pfeiffer,
1985). However, there is mounting evidence that the early recognition of perinatal difficulties and appropriate
treatment may reduce the morbidity rate of cognitive and neurodevelopmental handicaps resulting from these
complications (e.g., Cohen, Parmelee, Sigman, &Beckwith, 1982).