Early-onset neonatal bacterial infection (infection with onset within 72 hours of birth) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in newborn babies. Parent organisations and the scientific literature report that there can be unnecessary delays in recognizing and treating sick babies. In addition, concern about the possibility of early-onset neonatal infection is common.
This concern is an important influence on the care given to pregnant women and newborn babies. There is wide variation in how the risk of early-onset neonatal infection is managed in healthy babies. If there have been any concerns about early-onset neonatal infection before a baby is discharged, advise the parents and carers verbally and in writing that they should seek medical advice (for example, from NHS Direct, their general practice, or an accident and emergency department) if they are concerned that the…
