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What is intraventricular hemorrhage in newborns? — Intraventricular hemorrhage in newborns is a condition that happens when blood vessels inside a newborn baby's brain bleed. It is most common in newborns who:
●Are born more than 8 weeks early (this is called "preterm" or "premature" birth). A normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, so babies born at 32 weeks or fewer are more likely to have this problem.
●Newborns who weigh about 3 pounds or less. This is less than half the weight of an average newborn.
Babies who are born very premature need to stay in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, or "NICU." This is so doctors and nurses can watch them closely and take care of them.
What are the symptoms of intraventricular hemorrhage in newborns? — Some newborns have no symptoms. A baby that has symptoms might:
●Be more sleepy or less alert than usual
●Have weak, floppy muscles
●Move less than normal
●Stop breathing for short periods of time
Is there a test for intraventricular hemorrhage in newborns? — Yes. Doctors can test for this condition with an ultrasound of the baby's head. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasounds are usually done on all babies who are born more than 8 weeks early.
How is intraventricular hemorrhage in newborns treated? — There are no treatments to stop the bleeding. But your baby's doctor will check to make sure that your baby's blood flow and oxygen levels are normal. This can prevent further bleeding.
Your baby might need fluids given through a thin tube that goes into a vein, called an "IV." They might also need oxygen, which is given through:
●2 plastic tubes put in the baby's nostrils
●A mask over the baby's mouth and nose in a treatment called "continuous positive airway pressure," or "CPAP"
●A breathing tube – This is a tube that goes down the throat and into the lungs. The other end is attached to a ventilator (breathing machine).
Some babies with intraventricular hemorrhage have no long-term effects, while others have problems with their development. Babies with a lot of bleeding in the brain are more likely to have problems.
Can intraventricular hemorrhage in newborns be prevented? — There is no way to completely prevent intraventricular hemorrhage. But since it is more common in babies who are born too early, efforts to prevent early delivery might lower the chances of it. Although there are no known treatments to absolutely prevent early delivery, the best advice is to go to all of your doctor or midwife visits when you are pregnant and follow their guidance.
Patient education: When a baby is born premature (The Basics)
Patient education: What to expect in the NICU (The Basics)
