Neonatal Sepsis
When
the on-call OB/GYN in the ER confirmed that my water bag was leaking the morning
of January 22, I knew I have less than 24 hours to deliver our little Queen B
or else risk both of us from contracting infection. Several hours later and
despite the injection of oxytocin (a substance that induces labor), my cervix
only progressed to 2 cm in dilation. With the advice of my OB/GYN, J and I
decided to deliver our bundle of joy thru caesarean section.
It was
not an easy choice for me because the moment I find out I was pregnant I have
wanted to experience childbirth in its most natural form. I wanted a normal
delivery without even the aid of any medication but it was a decision I never
regretted especially after seeing what my niece Yumi had undergone because of
neonatal sepsis.
Neonatal sepsis occurs when a newborn baby’s blood
stream is infected with bacteria. Since blood circulates all over our body, the
bacteria can also infect organs such as the kidney, lungs, or even the bones. It
can be treated with antibiotics, especially if it’s caught early on, but
neonatal sepsis remains the most important cause of neonatal death.
Neonatal
sepsis can be contacted during pregnancy, from the mother’s genital tract
during labor and delivery, or after birth from contact with others. Premature and prolonged rupture of the
amniotic sac, which J and I have learned this during our child birth class,
is a well known risk factor for neonatal
sepsis as well as maternal fever during
labor and an infection in the uterus or
placenta. Infection can also be acquired by the baby during the passage through the birth canal if the
mother has group B streptococcus (BGS) in her vagina or rectum.
Premature
babies and babies receiving neonatal intensive care (because of their immature immune system) are more susceptible in getting
infected. They usually go through invasive procedures which includes long-term intravenous (IV) lines and catheters.
The incision for the IV and catheter provides a path for some bacteria to enter
the infant’s body and cause an infection. Sepsis can also be acquired from unwashed hands or the environment.
Babies
with neonatal sepsis may have the following symptoms:
- Increase in body temperature or fever
- Breathing problems
- Diarrhea or decreased bowel movements
- Lethargy (reduced movements or not interacting and listless)
- Reduced sucking
- Seizures
- Slow or fast heart rate
- Swollen belly area
- Vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowish appearance of skin and whites of the eyes)
Neonatal
sepsis will only be confirmed when bacteria are identified in a culture of the
newborn’s blood. While waiting for the results of the blood culture, doctors
prescribe intravenous antibiotics which can be adjusted when the specific type
of organism is identified. The infant may also receive other treatments like
the use of ventilator, intravenous fluids, and support of blood pressure and
circulation.
J
and I could actually ask for more time for my cervix to dilate so I can deliver
Georgina normally but my desire to have a healthy baby overcomes my dream of a
normal unmedicated child birth. It was a good thing I had my surgery sooner
rather than later as my little Queen B’s amniotic fluid was running low. It may
have been leaking for a longer time than we thought. We were able to bring home
Georgina without any complications a few days after giving birth to her.
Up
to now, a bottle of isopropyl alcohol is a must-have inside our diaper bag and
at home. Of course, we are no longer as OC to using it as when Georgina was
still a newborn. I also let her crawl (and
walk which she can briefly do now) across our floor especially before her bath
time. Her immune system should still be exposed to bacteria and other organisms
for it to develop antibodies against them. Also, my breastmilk continuously
gives her additional antibodies. J and I try to find that balance of protecting
her from infectious agents while giving her the freedom and opportunity to
explore and experience her surroundings.
As
for my niece Yumi, she just celebrated her first month birthday and no longer
bore any signs of her struggle to survive.
#xoxo
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