what's the purpose?
what are the side effects / risks?
2007-10-15 09:05:16 · 5 answers · asked by Ember Halo 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
[on the newborn]
2007-10-15 09:05:30 · update #1
if it's for possible std's, then why do they bother testing for ALL the std's during pregnancy?? certainly they would be detected with those? wouldn't they??
2007-10-15 09:18:22 · update #2
In case the baby is exposed to an STD going thru the birth canal.
You dont have to let them apply it to the baby. but it is a standard practice for all babes unless you tell them that its not in your birth plan.
Although you are tested for STD's in the beginning of pregnancy, does not mean that you cant get something during the pregnancy
2007-10-15 09:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by selery222 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a prophylactic. It's just in case mom has an STI, group B strep, or even a yeast infection because if those type of infections get in baby's eyes, they often cause blindness. It's just ophthalmic Neosporin-type ointment like you buy in stores. The only side effects are watery eyes and occasionally some eye irritation. Those clear up within an hour or two as the antibiotic ointment is absorbed or wiped away.
I don't know about other states, but in Texas, nurses are required by law to apply the antibiotic ointment immediately after birth. You can "opt out", but you have to sign a waiver that says you won't sue if baby does go blind.
ADD: as for your last comment, some moms have unprotected sex after the tests are done. Also, some STIs aren't picked up by the test if you just got them within the last few days. And there are always moms who drop in to deliver without any prenatal care whatsoever, and they may or may not know (or tell you that they know) if they have an STI.
2007-10-15 16:24:12 · answer #2 · answered by The SuburbanCat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The stuff that they put in the babys eyes, is a precaution for any STD's or germs that may have gotten into the babys eyes during delivery. Not to say that you have an STD, but sometimes they go undetected, and so they give it to prevent blindness.
2007-10-15 16:14:10 · answer #3 · answered by killerbee492001 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they use it to kill any germs that mightve gotten in their little eyes...it is just a safety precaution. the only thing it really does side effect wise is make their eyes a little puffy.
2007-10-15 16:09:35 · answer #4 · answered by sugarplumfaerie52686 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its to prevent blindness, just in case the mother has an undiagnosed case of gonnoreah. Its harmless to the infant.
2007-10-15 16:08:44 · answer #5 · answered by parental unit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋