Neonatal conjunctivitis
Alternate Names : Newborn conjunctivitis, Conjunctivitis of the newborn, Ophthalmia neonatorum, Herpetic neonatal conjunctivitis
Prevention
Treating a pregnant woman for sexually-transmitted diseases will prevent conjunctivitis caused by these infections in her newborn. Depending on the infection, the mother may receive antibiotics through a vein (IV). Even if the mother's infection has not been recognized, eye drops put into the infant's eyes immediately after birth can help prevent many infections. These drops are used routinely for all hospital births. (Most states have laws requiring this treatment.)
When a mother has active herpes sores at the time of delivery, a cesarean section is recommended to prevent serious illness in the baby.
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