We have already talked about special cares what to have when we have a premature baby and causes of premature labor. Today we will talk about another important topic that is the function and importance of the use of the incubator for premature babies.
For a mother, whether first-time or not, it must be difficult to see her newborn child in a incubatorBut beyond how distressing it may be, we must understand that the function that these incubators perform is vital for the baby's health.
What is a neonatal incubator?
A neonatal incubator is a medical device designed to provide a safe and controlled environment for newborns, especially premature babies. This environment mimics the mother's womb, creating the conditions necessary for the proper development of the newborn. It is basically a closed space where temperature, humidity and oxygen are precisely regulated.
Incubators protect, provide warmth, control humidity and oxygen levels, and provide insulation from noise to the baby. These conditions are essential for the health of the baby. premature babies Because, not being in the mother's womb, they need intensive care to allow for full development outside the womb.
Why is an incubator used for premature babies?
The babies born prematurely They have not had enough time to complete their development inside the womb, which means that many of their organs and systems are incomplete or immature. One of the most common problems in newborns is the difficulty in regulating their body temperature, which can lead to serious problems such as hypothermia. The incubator imitates the environment of the mother's womb, maintaining a constant temperature between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius.
In addition, the incubator offers protection against infections by creating a closed environment isolated from the outside, filtering the air and minimizing the baby's exposure to bacteria and viruses.
Every time a premature baby is born, they enter a critical period where every minute counts. That's why the use of an incubator is essential. Depending on how premature the baby was born, the amount of time they need to spend in the incubator can vary considerably. Some babies stay in the incubator for only a few hours, while others may require weeks or even months of intensive care.
Features of a neonatal incubator
The neonatal incubators Modern machines are equipped with multiple functions designed to monitor and control the vital needs of premature babies:
- Temperature control: The incubator has sensors that adjust the heat level, keeping the baby's body temperature within appropriate limits.
- Controlled humidity: It is crucial to maintain a humid environment in the incubator to prevent the baby from becoming dehydrated.
- Oxygen therapy: Many premature babies require additional levels of oxygen, which is achieved by administering controlled oxygen through the incubator.
- Ultraviolet light: Some incubators are equipped with phototherapy lamps to treat neonatal jaundice.
- Constant monitoring: The baby's heartbeat, breathing and vital signs are monitored at all times, and any abnormality triggers an alarm that alerts medical staff.
Main functions of the incubator
Incubators not only provide a controlled environment, but also perform specific functions that help improve the chances of survival for premature babies.
Temperature control
One of the most important functions of an incubator is the temperature controlPremature babies are unable to regulate their body temperature, making them vulnerable to hypothermia or overheating. Incubators use a convection heating system, which transfers heat evenly through a fan.
The control system can be set in two ways: by the ambient air temperature of the incubator or by the temperature of the baby's skin. In the latter case, a sensor is attached to the baby's skin and automatically adjusts the heating based on body temperature. This system, known as servo control, is especially suitable for extremely premature neonates.
Controlled humidity
Humidity control in the incubator environment is also crucial. premature babies They have very delicate skin and can lose large amounts of water through evaporation, leading to dehydration. To remedy this, incubators are equipped with humidifiers that maintain an optimal humidity level. It is recommended that the humidity inside the incubator be kept between 60% and 90%.
Oxygen
A vital aspect of incubators is the ability to deliver oxygen. premature babies Babies often suffer from breathing problems due to their immature lungs. In many cases, extra oxygen needs to be given to them during the first few days of life. By creating an environment with regulated oxygen levels, some incubators allow for greater control over the amount of oxygen the baby inhales, providing an oxygen-rich atmosphere to enhance their respiratory development.
Ultraviolet light
A common problem in newborns, especially premature ones, is neonatal jaundiceThis disorder occurs when bilirubin builds up in the baby's blood, causing a yellowish tint to the skin. To treat this condition, incubators are equipped with ultraviolet (UV) lights that help break down bilirubin, making it easier to remove from the body.
Monitoring and alarms in the incubator
Incubators also incorporate various monitoring systems to ensure that the baby remains in a stable and safe environment. The most common parameters that are monitored include:
- Heartbeats: Electrodes attached to the baby's skin measure the heart rate continuously.
- Breathing frequency: A sensor calculates how many times per minute the baby breathes.
- pulse oximetry: In some cases, the baby's blood oxygen level is monitored.
- Temperature alarm: If the temperature of the environment or the baby varies beyond a set range, alarms are activated to alert medical staff so they can intervene immediately.
Mechanical ventilation and intravenous therapy
In extreme cases, some premature babies cannot breathe on their own. For these situations, the incubator has ventilation systems. mechanic ventilation who assist in the breathing process, either by intubation or by providing air with specially designed masks. In these cases, it is very important to closely monitor the balance between the oxygen administered and the amount actually entering the baby's blood.
Another critical aspect is the intravenous therapyMany newborns cannot be fed properly immediately after birth. For these cases, incubators allow the use of intravenous lines to provide serum or medications. This option minimizes the risk of excessive handling of the baby, which could cause stress or discomfort.
The role of isolation in the incubator
Isolation is another crucial function of neonatal incubators. Newborns, especially those born prematurely, have immature immune systems and are highly susceptible to infections. The incubator creates a sterile environment where the baby is protected from outside germs and bacteria. This is achieved through special filters that purify the air entering the chamber where the newborn is kept. Additionally, by keeping the baby in a confined space, the incubator also reduces the stress that environmental noise could cause.
How does the incubator affect mother-child contact?
A negative aspect of using incubators is that it can limit physical contact between mother and baby. skin to skin contact, highly recommended for the emotional and physical development of the newborn, is reduced when the baby is inside the incubator. However, in many neonatal units, doctors encourage the use of kangaroo, which allows parents to hold the baby on their chest when it is safe for the child.
This contact not only fosters bonding between the two, but has also been shown to have a positive impact on the baby's recovery and growth. Studies have shown that kangaroo care can improve the baby's thermoregulation, reduce stress levels and improve heart rate, which contributes to the newborn's faster recovery.
Therefore, although the incubator can be perceived as a cold and distant environment, it does not replace human contact, but rather complements it in the most critical moments of the baby's life.
Ultimately, incubators have saved millions of lives and continue to be an essential tool for neonatal care for premature babies. Thanks to advances in technology and neonatal care, these children have a greater chance of surviving and developing healthy and strong.