Intensive care for your premature baby

Original Article:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM03088
The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Intensive care for your premature baby

Illustration of intensive care for a premature baby

In the hospital, your baby may first be monitored unclothed on a warmer bed. Later your baby will probably be in an incubator, an enclosed plastic bassinet that's kept warm to help your baby maintain a normal body temperature. Your baby will likely receive fluids and nutrients through an intravenous catheter, and later start breast milk or formula feedings through a tube slid through his or her nose or mouth. Sensors may monitor your baby's blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature, and ventilators may be used to help your baby breathe.
IM03088

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger