[Development of the physiologic response to stress in the neonatal period]

An attempt was made to assess the course of physiological response to stress - an autonomic regulation process - in 60 newborn infants during the 1st month of life. Data used in this study were based on results of the B.N.B.A.S. (Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale) applied on the 1st, 3rd and 28th days of life. An improvement of scores was demonstrated in all items throughout the 1st month of life.