Neonatal infection: antibiotics for prevention and treatment

Excerpt

This guideline covers preventing bacterial infection in healthy babies of up to and including 28 days corrected gestational age, treating pregnant women whose unborn baby is at risk of infection, and caring for babies of up to and including 28 days corrected gestational age with a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. It aims to reduce delays in recognising and treating infection and prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics. The guideline does not cover viral infections.

The guideline uses the terms 'woman' or 'mother' throughout. These should be taken to include people who do not identify as women but are pregnant or have given birth. Similarly, where the term 'parents' is used, this should be taken to include anyone who has main responsibility for caring for a baby. We recognise there are many different family arrangements.

Who is it for?:

1. Healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care

2. Commissioners and providers of neonatal and maternity services

3. Parents and carers of babies who are at risk of or who have a neonatal infection