Low Blood Pressure

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Why does a baby have low blood pressure?

Babies can have low blood pressure for many reasons. It is especially common in preemie babies just after birth. Reasons for low blood pressure include:

  • Blood loss before or during delivery
  • Fluid loss after delivery
  • Infection
  • Medications given to the mother before delivery

Sometimes it is not known why a baby's blood pressure is low. Low blood pressure is seen often in babies who have Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

How can low blood pressure be treated?

  • A baby may be given extra fluid, often containing albumin, by vein.
  • A baby can be placed on a medication to increase blood pressure. These drugs are referred to as "pressors".
  • A baby may be transfused with blood from the blood bank. This is most often done if the suspected cause of low blood pressure is blood loss.

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Preterm Baby Care

After the NICU, our comprehensive resources are designed to help you navigate preterm parenthood with confidence. Whether you need medical insights, information on preemie developmental milestones or emotional support, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools for a happy, and healthy, start together.

Preemie Care Resources