Signs of infection in your baby
What happens in the team suspect infection in my baby?
Sometimes your baby may need treatment for suspected infection. They will be reviewed by the neonatal team and they may need close monitoring and/or antibiotics. Usually this will be given via a drip in the hand or foot.
If there are major concerns and your baby appears unwell they may be admitted to the neonatal unit. Often if your baby looks well but there are risks for infection your baby can stay with you and have the antibiotics with you on the postnatal ward.
Your baby will be reviewed daily whilst on antibiotics.
If the blood tests are not concerning and your baby is well; the antibiotics will be stopped after 36 hours. Sometimes your baby may need a longer course of antibiotic and the medical team will discuss this with.
What is early onset neonatal infection?
Early onset neonatal infection is an infection which can occur within the first 72 hours of life. It can be potentially life-threatening for babies if left untreated. The prevalence of this in Hillingdon is 0.8/1000 births, so this is not common.
Some babies are at higher risk of developing neonatal infection.
One of the most common 'bugs' that can cause infection is Group B Streptococcus. This bug is very commonly found in both men and woman. Usually it does not cause any problems but is important to be aware of if you pregnant as it can make your baby unwell.
What would make my baby 'higher risk'?
- Group B streptococcal infection (GBS) in current pregnancy or previous pregnancy/baby
- Spontaneous labour before 37 weeks' gestation and premature birth
- Waters breaking 24 hours or more before birth
- Infection of the membranes and waters around baby
- Suspected/confirmed infection in a twin
- Maternal fever or any other signs of infection during labour
Signs of infection in a baby can be:
Late onset neonatal infection
There is a small chance of your baby developing an infection up to 6 weeks after birth. This can happen even if they had antibiotics in hospital and especially if there was maternal GBS during the pregnancy.
If your baby has any of the signs mentioned then you need to seek help urgently for your baby.
The red book 'Information for Parents' also has lots of helpful information