Which finding may indicate postmaturity in a newborn?

Which finding may indicate postmaturity in a newborn?

• A. Testes descended, good rugae.
• B. Formed ears with instant recall.
• C. Peeling, parchment-like skin.
• D. Deep creases at the base of the toes extending to the heels.

Answer: (C)

Postmaturity is suggested by dry, parchment-like skin that begins to peel. When a baby remains in the womb beyond 42 weeks, vernix decreases and subcutaneous fat stores dwindle, leading to skin that is dry, loose, and parchment-like with peeling. This skin change is a classic clue that gestation may have extended past term. While other findings such as descended testes with good scrotal rugae and well-formed ears can occur in term infants, and deep creases on the feet can appear in postmature babies, the peeling, parchment-like skin is the most characteristic sign indicating postmaturity.

Postmaturity is suggested by dry, parchment-like skin that begins to peel. When a baby remains in the womb beyond 42 weeks, vernix decreases and subcutaneous fat stores dwindle, leading to skin that is dry, loose, and parchment-like with peeling. This skin change is a classic clue that gestation may have extended past term. While other findings such as descended testes with good scrotal rugae and well-formed ears can occur in term infants, and deep creases on the feet can appear in postmature babies, the peeling, parchment-like skin is the most characteristic sign indicating postmaturity.