Your Baby in the NICU: Understanding Infection
Your Baby in the NICU: Understanding
Infection
All babies are at risk for infection.
This is because a baby’s immune system (the body’s defense against disease) needs
time to
develop. While it’s developing, your baby is more likely to get sick from germs than
older
children and adults are. A preemie’s immune system is less mature than a term baby’s.
This
puts preemies at higher risk of developing an infection. Certain health problems also
raise your baby’s risk for infection.
Types of infection
Infection occurs when germs enter the body. These are the most common types of infections in
a newborn:
-
Localized infection (infection of one area of the body)
-
Systemic infection (infection that spreads to the organs of the body through the bloodstream)
-
Meningitis (infection of the fluid surrounding the brain or spinal cord)
How did my baby get an infection?
There are many ways a newborn could get an infection:
-
Before birth, amniotic membranes can rupture (break open). This allows germs to travel
up the mother’s vagina and into the uterus, infecting the baby.
-
Before birth, germs can pass through the placenta from the mother to the baby.
-
During birth, germs may pass from the mother to the baby.
-
After birth, germs from the
environment can enter the baby’s body. This may be more likely to happen if
there’s a break in the baby’s skin. Or during a procedure in which a tube is
inserted into the body.
How is infection treated?
A healthcare provider gives an
antibiotic medicine through an IV (intravenous line) to treat infection. If your baby
doesn’t have an infection but is at increased risk for one, a healthcare provider
may
give your baby antibiotics as a precaution. The length of time your baby will need
medicine varies. This depends on the type of infection they have. The neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU) staff will tell you more about the medicine and any possible side
effects. The healthcare team will take special precautions to keep germs from spreading
to other babies in the NICU during treatment.
What are the long-term effects?
How your baby does depends on many factors. These include where the infection is,
how bad it is, and what type of germ caused it. Talk to your baby's healthcare provider
about how long it will take for your baby to recover and any follow-up that may be
needed.
Your role as a parent
Your role as parent is to bond with
and support your baby. The NICU staff will watch your baby for the following signs
of
infection. Alert your baby's healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these
signs:
Help prevent infection with handwashing
Most germs are spread on hands.
Handwashing is the best way to prevent germs from spreading. Use the following steps.
(Healthcare providers may ask you to follow a different procedure while your baby
is in
the NICU.)
-
Remove any rings, bracelets,
or watches you’re wearing. It can be hard to clean under these. (You may want to
stop wearing jewelry to the NICU.)
-
Use clean, running water and
plenty of soap to work up a good lather.
-
Clean your whole hand. This
includes under your nails, between your fingers, and up your wrists. Don’t just
wipe. Rub well.
-
Keep washing for at least
10 to 15
seconds. You may be surprised how long this takes. So, be sure to count.
-
Rinse. Let the water run down
your fingertips, not up your wrists.
Note
If you have a preemie in the NICU,
the staff may ask you to follow additional precautions. This is to help keep infection
from spreading to your baby. The NICU staff will tell you more.
Online Medical Reviewer: Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2022
© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.