What is congenital pneumonia and how do babies get it?
Kate Ferdinand has raised awareness after revealing her baby girl was born with congenital pneumonia.
Kate gave birth to her baby girl, Shae, ten weeks ago but took some time away from social media to be with her daughter.
The mum also said she had to adapt to being a mum-of-five.
She explained that baby Shae gave them quite a fright when she was born with congenital pneumonia.
"We are both well, although she made quite the entrance into this world & gave us a fright being born with congenital pneumonia."
Kate's baby girl quickly recovered from congenital pneumonia, but how do babies get it?
According to Science Direct, congenital pneumonia is caused by multiple infectious agents. A baby can be infected intrauterine, during birth, or shortly after birth.
It is most commonly caused by group B hemolytic streptococcal infection.
View this post on Instagram
Symptoms
The main sign of congenital pneumonia is an unexplained worsening of the baby's respiratory status.
Increased quantities and a change in the quality of their respiratory secretions are other symptoms.
Babies with this condition can fall ill quickly and may suffer from temperature instability and neutropenia.
Prevention
Congenital pneumonia is caused by bacterial pathogens associated with early-onset sepsis. Analysing the expectant mother's maternal history is key for preventing a baby from being infected with congenital pneumonia.
Doctors will check for a previous history of bacterial and viral diseases, including hepatitis viruses, herpes, gonorrhea, or syphilis.
Going into labour when you're under 37 weeks pregnant can also increase the risk of congenital pneumonia. Other risk factors include prolonged or premature rupture of membranes.
A maternal fever and maternal Chorioamnionitis also increase the risk.
Complications during labour or birth can also lead to congenital pneumonia.
Treatment
Infants can be treated, but early intervention is essential. Your child's medical team will develop a treatment plan as soon as they're diagnosed.
Babies will be given respiratory support to optimise the blood gas exchange because adequate oxygenation is vital.
They will also be given empiric antibiotic therapies if it is suspected.
If infants require long-term ventilation then a tracheostomy will be required.
