Normothermia

A normal temperature for babies is between 36.5°C and 37.4°C.

Babies born before 37 weeks should have their temperature checked within the first hour after birth and should be kept warm at all times, unless they are being cared for in a warmed incubator.

Hypothermia (low body temperature) in preterm babies is associated with adverse effects, including:

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

• Hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the blood)

• Metabolic acidosis (a build-up of too much acid in the body, causing the blood pH to fall below 7.35)