Definition of Neonatal Incubator

A incubator It is a device used to give life support to newborn babies, whether premature or at term, who are not prepared to adapt to the extrauterine environment.

There are several types of incubators, the most used are closed incubators that are shaped like a glass box connected to various devices, These have holes that allow the hands to be inserted to manipulate the newborn, as well as facilitate the entry and exit of instruments and equipment.

The main function of an incubator is to provide heat for the baby to maintain its temperature within normal values, thus preventing the drop in temperature known as hypothermia from occurring. These teams also fulfill important functions when it comes to supporting the life of neonates in intensive care units.

Incubators allow to maintain the temperature of newborns

During its development, the fetus maintains a temperature of 37 ° C which is regulated by the mother. At the time of birth the hypothalamus, which is the area of ​​the brain responsible for controlling the

body temperature, is immature, so the newborn can develop a drop in temperature or hypothermia if it is not covered properly, which can have serious consequences.

When for any reason the newborn deserves to stay in the hospital after birth, needs to be located in an environment with a suitable temperature, and this is the main function of the incubators. These devices have a sensor that is placed directly on the baby's skin, this allows to record its temperature and emit more or less heat to keep it within adequate levels.

Support functions performed by incubators

The incubators are designed to allow the baby to be manipulated without removing it from its interior, allowing several actions to be carried out, including:

-Isolation. Newborns have an immature immune system that is not prepared to deal with microorganisms their environment, so the enclosed space of the incubator provides protection and isolation similar to the one they had inside the womb, this is especially useful in newborns immunosuppressed.

-Keep weight control. Incubators have a monitor that it allows to maintain a record continuous weight of the newborn, which is very important when evaluating hydration, fluid retention states and the nutritional status of the newborn. neonate.

-Treat jaundice. Some newborns turn yellow in the first days of life due to increased levels of bilirubin in your blood, this occurs when the baby's blood is of a different type than his mother and is treated with the app of ultraviolet light that is available in all incubators.

- Supply oxygen. Receivers born with respiratory problems may require oxygen to be given, so the concentration of this inside the incubator, which is much easier and more practical than placing masks or nasal whiskers to the baby.

- Monitoring of the different parameters. The incubators also allow monitoring vital functions of the baby's body such as the activity of its heart, your brain and your breathing.

Photos: Fotolia - Olesia Bilkei / Sweetlemontea

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