A postterm neonate in the nursery is being examined. Which finding would you expect?

A postterm neonate in the nursery is being examined. Which finding would you expect?

• A. Cracked, peeling skin
• B. An elevated weight/length ratio
• C. Smooth soles of the feet
• D. Excessive vernix caseosa

Answer: (A)

Postterm neonates commonly show dry, cracked, peeling skin. After a pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks, the skin desquamates as vernix caseosa diminishes and subcutaneous fat stores become reduced, leaving the skin thin, dry, and fragile. This dryness and peeling is a classic sign of postmaturity. Excess vernix would be more typical of a preterm infant, not postterm, and smooth soles or a markedly elevated weight-for-length ratio are not characteristic features of postmaturity.

Postterm neonates commonly show dry, cracked, peeling skin. After a pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks, the skin desquamates as vernix caseosa diminishes and subcutaneous fat stores become reduced, leaving the skin thin, dry, and fragile. This dryness and peeling is a classic sign of postmaturity. Excess vernix would be more typical of a preterm infant, not postterm, and smooth soles or a markedly elevated weight-for-length ratio are not characteristic features of postmaturity.