What happens to the body temperature of a newborn in cold stress?

In cases of cold stress, the body temperature of a newborn decreases. Newborns have a limited ability to generate heat due to their small size and immature physiological responses. When exposed to cold environments, they lose heat more rapidly than older children and adults. This can lead to hypothermia, which is a significant concern in neonates as it can impair metabolic function and pose risks of complications, including respiratory distress and increased risk of infection.

During cold stress, the newborn's body will utilize non-shivering thermogenesis, primarily through the metabolism of brown fat, but if the cold exposure is too severe or prolonged, this mechanism may fail to maintain a stable core body temperature. Therefore, a significant drop in temperature occurs, indicating the need for immediate intervention to restore normothermia and prevent further physiological impact.