Your Baby in the NICU: Understanding Infection

All babies are at risk of infection. This is because a baby’s immune system (the body’s defense against disease) needs time to develop. While it’s developing, the 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, which puts preemies at higher risk of infection. Certain health problems also raise a baby’s risk of infection.

Types of Infection

Infection occurs when germs enter the body. These are the most common types of infections for a newborn:

• Localized infection (infection of an area on the skin)

• Systemic infection (infection in 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 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?

To treat infection, antibiotic medication is given through an IV. (If your baby doesn’t have an infection but is at increased risk of one, antibiotics may be given as a precaution.) The length of time medication is needed varies depending on the type of infection. The NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) staff will tell you more about the medication and any possible side effects. During treatment, special precautions may be taken to keep germs from spreading to other babies in the NICU.

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 the doctor or nurse about how long it will take for your baby to recover and any follow-up that may be needed.

Your Role as a Parent

Watch your baby for the following signs of infection. If you notice any of these signs, alert the doctor or nurse right away.

• Less activity

• Increasing breathing problems

• Redness or discharge around the bellybutton

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. (You may be asked 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 warm water and plenty of soap to work up a good lather.

• Clean your whole hand, under your nails, between your fingers, and up your wrists. Don’t just wipe—rub well.

• Keep washing for at least 10–15 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.