How we monitor you and your baby
While you are in our care, we regularly check you and your baby’s vital signs and other important health measurements.
We will take observations to determine how well or unwell you are so we can monitor your recovery.
The frequency of these checks will depend on you and your baby’s condition and needs. Sometimes we may need to wake you and your baby to do these checks.
In addition, we will ask at least daily if you are feeling better or worse, or your baby is becoming unwell. This is to monitor any unexpected changes in your condition.
What observations do we take?
- Respiratory rate
- Oxygen saturations
- If you are on any oxygen
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Conscious level
- Temperature
- Pain
- Urine output
- Nursing concern
- Patient or family concern
How are observations measured?
We will use a machine to check your observations. This will include a clip onto your finger, a cuff on your arm and a thermometer in your ear.
Changes you can look out for
There may be early indications that someone is becoming unwell. These can be non-specific and sometimes subtle.
Changes in you
Tell us if you notice these changes:
- Feeling confused
- Severe pain
- Feeling more withdrawn
- Feeling anxious or agitated
- Unsteady when walking
- Change in sleep
- Shortness of breath, breathing faster than normal, or wheezing
- Not going to the toilet
- Being very restless
- Being more tired
Changes in your baby
Telling our staff about these changes can help us detect deterioration early so we can take action to prevent more serious health problems.
Tell us early if you think your baby is becoming unwell.
Changes to look out for
- Is breathing faster than normal, grunting with each breath or wheezing
- Is less responsive or floppy, difficult to wake
- Has a temperature – sweating or hot or cold to the touch
- Has a high pitched or abnormal cry. They are irritable and will not settle
- Less frequent wet and dirty nappies
- Is not interested in feeding
- Has any changes to the appearance of their skin (pale, rash or sores/blisters, jaundice)
- Or if there is anything else that worries you.
