Post Resuscitation Management

Post Resuscitation Management

All infants who have been resuscitated require careful monitoring for at least four hours after delivery. The oxygen saturation should be monitored, particularly where there has been meconium; supplementary oxygen or ventilator support may be required (CPAP or positive pressure ventilation).

The baby should be kept warm, ideally in skin-to-skin contact with the mother. Overheating should be avoided. The benefits of moderate cooling (34-350C) for who have been severely hypoxic have been proven.

Blood glucose should be maintained in the normal range; both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia may be detrimental. Newborn infants should be encouraged to breast-feed within the hour; babies who have been severely hypoxic may require supplementary oral or intravenous fluids.

Babies who have been severely hypoxic in utero or after birth may have significant ischemic damage to the brain, kidneys, liver, or gut, and may have on-going respiratory difficulties; these infants require specialist on-going care.