Intravenous therapy

Evidence 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9214923/ 

S Duck 

Intravenous therapy has played an integral role in the advancement of neonatal care during the last 4 decades. Intravenous access is often needed within minutes of delivery for resuscitation and the administration of I.V fluids, medications, blood products, and nutrients. Small premature infants, who once would have died, are now being treated with parenteral nutrition and respiratory support for prolonged periods of time. 

Education 

The intravenous therapy catheter (drip) involves a thin, plastic tube inserted into a vein. This tube is linked to a bag containing fluid suspended above the baby. The tubing from the fluid bag passes through a pump, a device regulating the fluid flow to administer the correct amount to your baby.  

Many babies admitted to the Neonatal ward will have a drip, usually this is because your baby: 

• needs antibiotics because there may be an infection 

• unable to be fully fed and needs fluids, nutrition or medications through their veins 

• has low blood sugars and needs I.V glucose (sugar) to improve this 

The drip can be inserted into a vein in your baby's: 

• Hand or arm 

• Foot or leg 

• Less commonly scalp (which may require shaving to aid visibility of the vein) 

Catheters in veins  

Veins are small blood vessels that carry blood back towards the baby’s heart. These short catheters are very safe, however because newborn veins are delicate, they will usually only last two to three days as they may leak or become blocked. Your baby’s nurse will watch very closely for any swelling or bruising and the drip will be removed and a new one inserted if needed.

If your baby is particularly small or unwell it is more likely that they will need a drip for longer than just a few days. In this case a longer catheter (drip) will be used so that it can go deeper into a vein. Long catheters are put into bigger veins and can stay in for many weeks as the risks of leakage and blockage are much less. 

Empowerment  

Seeing your baby with tubes and medical equipment can be upsetting. But remember, this procedure is done to support your baby’s recovery. 

Your baby will have the drip until the fluids and/or medications are no longer necessary, and they are feeding adequately. The drip may need to be changed if it becomes blocked, leaks, or is accidentally pulled out, or if your baby's skin shows signs of swelling or redness. 

For any questions or concerns about your baby don't hesitate to speak with your healthcare team.  

Useful Links 

Raising Children 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/premature-babies-sick-babies/neonatal-intensive-care/nicu-what-to-expect 

Miracle Babies Foundation 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/medical-procedures/gjr0lc 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/umbilical-lines/gndtp4 

Panda - Perinatal Mental Health   

https://panda.org.au/   

COPE – Centre of Perinatal Excellence   

http://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/first-weeks/coping-following-a-premature-birth/  

For When – Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing  

https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/