Information for patients, parents and guardians
Newborn babies have a higher risk of getting an infection because their immune systems (defence against infections) are still developing. We have written this factsheet to give you more information about early onset neonatal infection. It includes details on how we monitor babies at risk and how we treat them. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to the staff member in charge of your care.
What is early onset neonatal infection?
Most babies are born fit and healthy. However, some babies may develop an infection before or during labour, or shortly after they are born. When a baby develops an infection in the first 72 hours of life, this is called 鈥榚arly onset neonatal infection鈥�. These infections are particularly serious if there are any delays in recognising that the baby is ill and starting treatment.
How do we assess the risk of early onset neonatal infection?
To assess the infection risk for your baby, we consider:
鈥� gestational age (the number of weeks that a baby has been in the uterus)
鈥� mother鈥檚 temperature during labour
鈥� how long the waters broke before birth
鈥� group B Strep (GBS) status
鈥� antibiotics given to the mother during labour
鈥� if the baby seems well or unwell
What are the signs and symptoms of a neonatal infection?
Common signs of an infection include:
鈥� fast breathing
鈥� floppiness
鈥� poor feeding or vomiting
鈥� abnormal temperature
鈥� a fast heartbeat
鈥� jaundice (within 24 hours of birth)
鈥� altered behaviour (excessive crying or being very sleepy)
If you notice any of these signs, please tell your midwife who will contact the neonatal team to review your baby.
What happens next if my baby is at higher risk of infection?
Our hospital guidelines help us to decide if a baby is at higher risk for infection and whether we should start intravenous (through the vein) antibiotics.
If a baby is at higher risk, our guidelines will recommend one of three things:
1. A period of observation for at least the first 24 hours.
2. A period of observation for at least the first 24 hours and a blood test for the presence of bacteria (blood culture). The blood culture result takes up to 36 hours. If the baby remains well within the 24-hour period of observation they may go home to await the blood test result.
If the baby develops signs and symptoms of infection or the blood culture detects bacteria, they will be started on intravenous antibiotics.
3. To immediately be screened for infection (blood tests taken for markers of infection, including C-reactive protein and blood culture) and started on intravenous antibiotics.
Antibiotics are usually given twice a day. The antibiotic we give is very safe for newborn babies and does not cause any short or long-term side effects. We will take further blood samples to monitor how your baby is progressing. We may also discuss doing additional tests, such as an x-ray of your baby鈥檚 chest or a lumbar puncture.
Chest x-ray
This is a test to look for signs of an infection in the lungs.
Lumbar puncture
This is a test to look for an infection in the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. We will take a sample of the fluid to test for infection. The first set of results will be available in a couple of hours, and the final result will be ready within 72 hours.
How long will my baby need antibiotics?
If there is no evidence of infection, we will stop the antibiotics as soon as all the results are back. If there are signs of an infection, antibiotic treatment will be for a minimum of five days. We will check your baby regularly and update you about any changes.
Do I have to look for signs of infection once I leave the hospital?
We will only recommend leaving hospital with your baby once we have finished our observations, completed all treatment (if required) and we are happy that there is no longer a risk of early onset infection. The links below provide you with additional information about signs and symptoms of an unwell baby.
Useful links
鈥� Healthier Together website (also available as a Smartphone app)
鈥� NHS website
Our staff at 91影视 District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
