Fever in a Newborn
Adults have a tightly controlled thermostat to help regulate their body
temperature. When cold, an adult shivers, helping to raise the temperature
of the body. Sweating occurs when an adult is overheated, to allow for
cooling. These mechanisms, on the other hand, are not completely developed
in newborns. In addition, newborns lack the insulating fat layer that
older babies and children develop.
Because a newborn's temperature regulation system is immature, fever
may or may not occur with infection or illness. However, fever in babies
can be due to other causes which may be even more serious. Call your
baby's physician immediately if your baby younger than 3 months old has a
rectal temperature of 100.4° F or higher.
Fever in newborns may be due to:
- infection
Fever is a normal response to infection in adults, but only about half
of newborns with an infection have fever. Some, especially premature
babies, may have a lowered body temperature with infection or other
signs such as a change in behavior, feeding, or color.
- overheating
While it is important to keep a baby from becoming chilled, a baby can
also become overheated with many layers of clothing and blankets. This
can occur at home, near heaters, or near heat vents. It can also occur
when a baby is over bundled in a heated car. Avoid placing a baby in
direct sunlight, even through a window. Never leave a baby in a hot car
even for a minute. The temperature can rise quickly and cause heat
stroke and death.
An overheated baby may have a hot, red, or flushed face, and may be
restless. To prevent overheating, keep rooms at a normal temperature,
about 72 to 75° F, and dress your baby just like you and others in the
room.
- low fluid intake or dehydration
Some babies may not take in enough fluids which causes a rise in body
temperature. This may happen around the second or third day after birth.
If fluids are not replaced with increased feedings, dehydration
(excessive loss of body water) can develop and cause serious
complications. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be needed to treat
dehydration.
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