What indicates that a post-term infant requires closer observation?

Desquamation of the skin is an important indicator that a post-term infant requires closer observation. In post-term infants, typically defined as those born after 42 weeks of gestation, the skin often shows signs of excessive dryness and peeling. This is primarily due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid, which may lead to skin changes such as desquamation. In these infants, the skin barrier is compromised, making them more susceptible to irritation and other skin-related conditions.

Therefore, observing desquamation signals that the infant may need more careful monitoring to ensure there are no complications arising from skin integrity issues. This includes assessing the infant for any additional signs of distress or related conditions, as the risk of complications can be heightened in post-term infants.

On the other hand, normal skin hydration, presence of lanugo, and peeling of the toenails do not typically indicate the need for increased observation. Normal skin hydration suggests that the infant's skin is healthy and functioning well, while lanugo is common in preterm infants and usually not a concern in post-term infants. Peeling of the toenails can occur for several non-threatening reasons and is not necessarily a sign of a post-term infant needing closer observation.