Premature babies often need tests or treatments in the hospital. Some tests and treatments have side effects and risks. So it's important to get just the ones your baby needs.
Here are some common tests and treatments your baby may not need.
Heartburn medicine for premature babies.
Premature babies may stop breathing for 15 to 20 seconds at a time during sleep. These breathing pauses tend to go away as the baby develops.
In some cases, doctors give these babies heartburn medicine. They do this because many babies have reflux ("spit up"). Doctors used to think that reflux made the breathing problem worse. But there's little evidence that heartburn medicine helps. In fact, the medicine may be harmful to newborns.
Antibiotics for babies without infections.
When newborns are at risk for infection, doctors may give them antibiotics right away, before they know if the baby has an infection. Doctors do this because blood test results can take 2 days, and it is better to be safe.
The problem is that some babies get antibiotics for too long, even though blood tests are negative and the baby has remained well. In this case, antibiotics won't help your baby. Also, long-term use of antibiotics in premature babies can cause serious problems, even death.
So, ask your doctor if your baby really needs to continue on the antibiotics.
Pneumograms before babies come home.
Most premature babies stop having breathing pauses by the time they reach full-term development. If they don't, some doctors may order a pneumogram. This is a test that records a baby's breathing, heart rate, and oxygen level during sleep. In some cases, this test may be helpful.
But the test does not help prevent dangerous breathing problems in premature newborns. And the test can lead to more tests and unnecessary worry for parents.
Daily X-rays for premature babies.
Some premature babies need breathing tubes, and some need catheters. Catheters are tubes put into a vein to give medicine, nutrition, and fluids.
From time to time, the hospital takes an X-ray to make sure that the tube hasn't moved. But babies should not get these X-rays every day.
There is no evidence that a daily X-ray helps prevent any problems.
Daily X-rays give unnecessary radiation. This may increase the risk of cancer, especially in babies.
Brain MRIs before babies come home.
Premature babies are at risk for problems with brain development. Some doctors check for these problems before sending the baby home. Some may do this using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a test that takes detailed pictures of the brain. But:
Brain development problems can be identified during routine tests at the pediatrician's office.
Editor's Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Perinatal Pediatrics released a list of specific tests or treatments that are commonly given to newborns, but are not always necessary, as part of the Choosing Wisely® campaign, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation. These common tests and treatments were identified; the full list gives more detail as to the reasons for taking a closer look at each item, and cites evidence related to each recommendation.
Additional Information from HealthyChildren.org: