Pitfalls in neonatal resuscitation.

Ten percent of all newborns require resuscitation at birth. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program establishes the authoritative technique of newborn resuscitation. Errors continue to occur that are related to the use of unskilled resuscitators; intubation; inadequate suctioning of meconium; and the postresuscitation problems of hypoglycemia, hypocarbia, and hypotension. Specific recommendations are offered to avoid these pitfalls of neonatal resuscitation.