When the baby’s body temperature is less than 36.5 degrees Celsius, a situation called hypothermia is considered relatively common in infants, especially premature infants, because their body surface area relative to their weight is much higher, which facilitates loss. body heat, especially in cold environments. This imbalance between heat loss and limited heat production is the leading cause of hypothermia in healthy babies.
It is important that the baby’s hypothermia is identified and treated according to the advice of the pediatrician, as this can prevent complications such as hypoglycemia, high blood acidity and respiratory disturbances, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important that newborns stay warm shortly after birth.
- Hypothermia can be identified in the baby by observing certain signs and symptoms.
- Such as cold skin.
- Not only on the hands and feet.
- But also on the face.
- Arms and legs.
- As well as the change in the color of the baby’s skin.
- Which may become bluerated due to decreased blood vessel caliber.
- In addition.
- In some cases a decrease in reflexes.
- Vomiting.
- Hypoglycemia and a decrease in the amount of urine produced during the day may also be observed.
In addition to looking at the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, it is important to measure your baby’s body temperature with a thermometer that should be placed under the wool under the baby’s mouth. Hypothermia is considered to be less than 36.5 degrees Celsius and can be classified according to temperature as follows:
As soon as a decrease in your baby’s body temperature is identified, it is important to dress your baby in appropriate clothing, in order to regulate body temperature, as well as consult the pediatrician for the best treatment and to avoid complications.
If hypothermia is not identified or treated, the baby may develop life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure, altered heart rate, and increased blood acidity.
When the baby is observed to have a temperature below the ideal, strategies should be sought to warm the child, with appropriate clothing, a hat and a blanket. The baby should be taken to the hospital to begin treatment as soon as possible, if the baby does not warm up or has difficulty sucking, decreased movement, tremors or bluish limbs.
The pediatrician should evaluate the baby and identify the cause of the drop in temperature, which may be related to a cold environment and inadequate clothing, hypoglycemia or other metabolic disorders, neurological or heart problems.
Treatment involves reheating the baby with proper clothing, a pleasant room temperature and, in some cases, it may be necessary to place the baby in a direct light incubator to raise body temperature. When your body temperature drops due to a health problem, it should be resolved as quickly as possible.
To prevent the baby from suffering from hypothermia, it is recommended to wear clothing adapted to the environment, but the newborn loses heat very quickly, so you should always wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, cap and socks. Gloves are necessary when the ambient temperature is below 17 degrees Celsius, but be careful not to put too much clothes on your baby and cause overheating, which is also dangerous for children’s health.
Therefore, a good way to know if the baby is wearing the right clothes is to place the back of his or her own hand over the baby’s neck and chest. If there are signs of sweat, you can remove a layer of clothing, and if your arms or legs are cold, you should add another layer of clothing.