Author/Editor		Burja, S
Title		Bolečina v perinatalnem obdobju
Translated title		Pain in the perinatal period
Type		članek
Source		In: Gregorič A, editor. Otrok s kronično črevesno boleznijo, bolečina pri otroku, zdravstveno varstvo otrok in mladine: organizacija, stroka, denar. Zbornik 15. srečanje pediatrov v Mariboru z mednarodno udeležbo in 2. srečanje medicinskih sester z mednarodno udeležbo; 2005 apr 15-16; Maribor. Maribor: Splošna bolnišnica Maribor,
Publication year		2005
Volume		str. 85-9
Language		slo
Abstract		The evaluation of pain in the human foetus and newborn is difficult because pain is generally defined as a subjective phenomenon. Focussing only on the newborn's ability to »consciously perceive pain« has for too long obscured the answer to the question as to whether the foetus and newborn can »really feel pain«. Scientists have demonstrated that both the neurochemical system for perception and control of pain and the endogenous opioid system function between the 15 th and 20 th weeks of gestation, while at 30 weeks' gestation the foetal nervous system has all the anatomical and functional components required for the perception of painful stimuli. The endogenous opioid system is also prepared. In the newborn pain can cause various physiological, hormonal and metabolic changes, simple motor responses, changed facial expression and crying. There is more and more evidence of the detrimental effects of early exposure to recurrent painful stimuli, which can fundamentally change the natural process of behaviour development. The recognition of the sources of pain in the perinatal period, in the time of foetal development, between delivery and after birth, and the correct assessment of possibilities for the safe use of analgesic medications should dictate for the protection of the foetus and newborn against the harmful effects of pain.
Descriptors		PAIN PERINATAL CARE NOCICEPTORS FETUS ANALGESIA INFANT, NEWBORN