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When you first come to the NICU you may notice your baby is connected to a monitor which looks like a computer screen. This monitor aids the NICU staff to continuously observe your babies 'vital signs'. Vital signs are the term used for the markers that show how well your baby's major body systems are working. Which vital signs the team will be monitoring depends on how well or unwell your baby is at the time.

 

The monitoring equipment we use is in conjunction with manual observations for  example, colour, breathing pattern, facial expressions and physical examination and it is rare that one observation of any sort is taken as conclusive. Therefore to monitor and assess your baby the health professionals on NICU, will combine a range of Invasive, non invasive and manual techniques.

 

 

 

 

The four main vital signs are heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level and temperature.

• Blood Pressure - there are two main types of blood pressure monitoring. Your baby's blood pressure can either be measured with a blood pressure cuff (similar to ones used by your GP), and the measurement displayed periodically on the monitor screen, or by using a device attached to a line inserted directly into an artery and displayed continuously on the monitor. The line inserted directly into an artery also allows us to take routine blood samples without needing to use a needle prick for each blood test
  
  
• Heart Rate - is measured using small sticky 'electrodes' (ECG electrodes) attached to the chest and abdomen. These leads can also monitor your baby's rate of breathing
  

• Oxygen Level - is measured using a small light emitting probe attached to one of your baby's feet, legs, hands or arms and displays your baby's blood oxygen levels on the monitor. Carbon Dioxide and oxygen level can both be measured using a device placed onto your baby's skin called a transcutaneous monitor

• Temperature - is measured using, a probe adhered to your baby's skin with a small sticky patch, which can track your baby's temperature and display it on the monitor

 

If there is a discrepancy in any one of your baby's vital signs the monitor will alarm informing the Neonatal staff. Sometimes the monitors may be alarming because a lead has fallen of or because your baby is moving around causing a false measurement. The Neonatal team are highly trained to recognise when an alarm is genuine and will act accordingly. The team will also be able to answer any question you may have and will be on hand to offer you any reassurance you may need.  

 

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Monitoring your baby's brain

 

The doctors will routinely monitor your baby's brain development due to the increased risk of bleeding occurring in the brains of very small or sick infants.

 

Monitoring is done using an ultrasound scanner placed on your baby's head, usually lasts 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. The nurse caring for your baby will assist to keep your baby comfortable throughout the procedure. Usually, any bleeding noted at early stages after delivery resolves over time and causes few problems but doctors will routinely check progress of any noticed bleeding to ensure close monitoring.

 

Occasionally, if a bleed is noted to progress, your baby may be required to go for a Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) scan. This provides much more detail of the brain thus allowing a more definitive diagnosis and prognosis. Speak to the nurse/doctor caring for your baby for updates of your baby's brain ultrasound scans.

 

 

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