Aim of the research: The research aimed to evaluate the physiological and pharmacological effects of ketamine on neonatal health immediately after birth, focusing on key indicators such as skin condition, heart rate, respiration, and responsiveness to external stimuli.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted in maternity hospitals in the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Governorate, involving 25 childbirth cases where ketamine was used for anesthesia. Its primary objective was to assess the drug’s effects on both maternal well-being and neonatal health in the crucial moments following delivery.

Results: The results showed that ketamine influenced various physiological parameters, including cardiac function, with newborns displaying noticeably elevated heart rates compared to those not exposed to the drug. Despite these effects, the induction, awakening, and recovery times remained within normal limits. Additionally, significant variations were observed in body temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and pulse rate, with both increases and decreases occurring in response to ketamine administration.