Neonatal Sepsis

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 assessed (checked) your baby and is concerned that your baby may be at risk of having an infection.

Will my baby need antibiotics?

Your baby will need antibiotics if:

• You have a Group B Streptococcal (GBS) infection.

• Your waters have been broken for more than 24 hours before the birth.

• You show signs of infection.

• Your baby is premature (Born before 37 weeks).

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 may 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.

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 into your baby’s hand or foot.  They will collect some blood to send for investigation to see if there is any infection. Your baby will also be treated with antibiotics through the cannula straight away.  The results from the blood test will be available within 48 hours.

What happens next?

Most babies will receive 2 kinds of antibiotic through their cannula.  These will be checked and given twice a day.

If your baby remains clinically well 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, your baby will receive antibiotics for 5 – 7 days.

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 (CSF) and testing it for infection. This fluid covers the brain and the spinal cord.

If these tests are needed a doctor or nurse practitioner will speak to you.

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 nurse practitioner will advise you. The treatment can last from 2 – 7 days.

What happens once we go home?

Most babies will not require any follow up. However, it is important 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.

Contact numbers

If you have any further questions please ask your midwife or a member of the neonatal team.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 01642 382723

Ward 22 (Antenatal/Postnatal Ward)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 01642 382722

Emergency Department
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 01642 382899

Further information available

NHS Choices
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones
When it is less urgent than 999 call 111
Website: www.nhs.uk

Information used in the development of this leaflet

NHS Wales (2015) Parent Information. Your Baby is on Antibiotics . NHS Wales

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (2017) Information for parents and carers. Starting antibiotics. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (2016) Babies with suspected infection. East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

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 Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

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

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]

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, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1009
Date for Review: November 2024