Information for parents/guardians
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What is neonatal sepsis?
Neonatal sepsis is an infection which can affect any part of the body systems.
Newborn babies are at risk of infection as they have an immature (not fully developed) immune system.
Why does my baby need antibiotics?
The paediatric doctor or advanced neonatal nurse practitioner (ANNP) has checked your baby and is concerned that your baby might have an infection.
Your baby may also require antibiotics if you have had any complications/infections in your pregnancy or your baby has any risk factors.
This will be based on a clinical decision made by the medical staff, but the decision will be discussed with you.
Your baby may still need antibiotics if they show other signs and symptoms of infection after they are born.
What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?
Your baby might have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties.
- Low blood sugars.
- Jaundice (yellow coloured skin).
- Abnormal temperature (too hot or too cold).
- Poor feeding.
If you are unsure why your baby is being started on antibiotics please ask a member of staff.
What happens if my baby is suspected of having sepsis?
If sepsis is suspected, a doctor or nurse will put a small tube called a cannula into a vein in your baby’s hand or foot. They will take some blood to send for tests to see if there is any infection.
They will give your baby antibiotics through the cannula straight away. The results from the blood test will be available within 48 hours and the staff will decide what to do next from the results.
What happens next?
Most babies will receive 2 kinds of antibiotics through their cannula. These will be given twice a day.
If your baby remains clinically well (the nurses and doctors aren’t worried about them) and the blood tests show no infection, the antibiotics will be stopped after 48 hours.
If your baby is not clinically well or the investigations show infection then your baby will receive a longer course of antibiotics. This can be for up to 3 weeks.
Will my baby need any further tests?
If your baby shows any continuing signs of being unwell, or if the blood tests show infection further investigations may include:
- Chest X-ray.
- Lumbar puncture. This means taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and testing it for infection. This fluid covers the brain and the spinal cord.
If these tests are needed a doctor or ANNP will speak to you and explain how the tests are done and why they are needed.
What are the risks and possible complications?
There are normally no side effects or allergic reactions with antibiotics. If we suspect your baby has an infection it is safer to give antibiotics than not to give them.
Some antibiotics can be harmful to the kidneys. However if your baby needs antibiotics for more than 3 days we will do an extra blood test to make sure the level is safe.
How long will my baby be in hospital?
Every baby is different. Your doctor or ANNP will advise you. The treatment can last up to 3 weeks.
What happens once we go home?
Most babies will not require any follow-up. However it is important that you are aware of the signs of infection in your baby such as:
- Poor feeding.
- Not waking at normal feeding times.
- A mottled or pale appearance.
- Floppy to hold.
- Crying non-stop.
- Change in breathing pattern.
If you have any concerns about your baby or your baby shows any of these signs you must attend your local Emergency Department and tell them that your baby was given antibiotics following birth and the reasons why, or call 999.
Contact numbers
University Hospital of North Tees
Special Care Baby Unit
Telephone: 01642 382723
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ward 22 (Antenatal/Postnatal Ward)
Telephone 01642 382722
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Children and Young People’s Emergency Department
Telephone: 01642 624533
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Further information available
NHS website
www.nhs.uk
Information used in the development of this leaflet
NHS Wales (2015) Parent Information. Your Baby is on Antibiotics
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (2017) Information for parents and carers. Starting antibiotics.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (2016) Babies with suspected infection.
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience
We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:
Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]Privacy Notices
Leaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet Reference: PIL1009 Version 2
Date for Review: February 2028