Risk factors for neonatal infection

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Bui Thi Ha - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Infections in infants can be life-threatening. Therefore, infection prevention for newborns is a very important issue for pregnant women right from the time of pregnancy to the process of birth and upbringing.

1.1 Risk factors from the mother Maternal infection during pregnancy (rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus). Early rupture of membranes before 12 hours causes amniotic infection. Maternal fever before, during and after birth. Labor lasts more than 12 hours, especially over 18 hours. The mother had a urinary tract infection before giving birth without proper treatment. 1.2 Risk factors from children The following infants are at greater risk of neonatal infections than other infants:
Boys. Premature babies. Low weight for gestational age. Obstetric trauma. Apgar index is low at birth (normally Apgar is 8-10 VND in the first minutes). 1.3 Risk factors from the environment Transmitted directly or indirectly through mothers, children's relatives, medical staff. Medical instruments are not sterile. Invasive procedures (catheter placement, endotracheal intubation, etc.). Do not wash your hands before touching the baby. Neonatology department with an overcrowded number of patients. Through breast milk, excreta.

To prevent neonatal infections for babies, mothers need to understand the following basic knowledge.
2.1 Before giving birth Pregnant women need to have regular antenatal check-ups, blood tests to detect diseases such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B for prevention and treatment. Rubella vaccination for mother. Tetanus vaccination for mother. Complete treatment of urogenital diseases and infections. Provide adequate micronutrients, prevent malnutrition for mothers. Keep the appendage clean. Good treatment of cases of premature rupture of membranes. No prolonged labor... 2.2 During delivery Ensure birth in sterile conditions. Avoid infection through tools, hands of doctors, nurses... Avoid obstetric complications: birth asphyxia, obstetric trauma for mother and child. 2.3 After giving birth Hands should be washed before and after caring for a newborn. Caregivers should wear sterile gloves and gowns. Take care of skin, navel and eye hygiene for children. Children's room should be clean, airy, warm, full of light. Breastfeeding produces IgA antibodies that protect the newborn from infection. Infection in infants is classified as a dangerous disease with a high risk of death. The causes of neonatal sepsis are diverse, and the symptoms are often atypical and can be confused with other common illnesses.
Not all babies get infections after birth, but every parent needs to know and be ready to take care of their baby in the best way. Start by understanding the causes and ways to minimize the sources of infection mentioned above.
Most importantly, if the child unfortunately has a newborn infection, parents need to be really calm to coordinate with doctors and nurses to treat their children most effectively. Specifically: the father needs to help the mother recover after giving birth; mothers need to express, store milk and breastfeed according to the hour;... Especially, it is necessary to follow the hand hygiene process before touching the baby.
For timely and effective treatment, it is necessary to diagnose early signs of postpartum infection. Monitor your baby regularly to detect abnormal symptoms in time and take your child to see a doctor right away for the earliest examination and treatment to minimize complications.

As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health system, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of top doctors and nurses in Pediatrics : consists of leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. Doctors All doctors are well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment. Specialist I Bui Thi Ha has over 11 years of experience in the field of Pediatrics - Neonatology; proficiently perform basic pediatric techniques and advanced, intensive and modern techniques such as mechanical ventilation, longline, blood exchange, invasive arterial blood pressure measurement, etc. Currently, the doctor is a Doctor. Pediatrics - Newborns, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.