Modern technology has drastically improved the chance an infant has to survive. While factors such as race, sex, health of the mother, and weight of the infant play important roles in the babies chances of survival, machinery and drugs drastically improve any babies chances of survival. Machines and doctors today work together to save lives. Many common machines used on premature infants are similar to the adult model, just adapted to the tiny bodies. When looking at an infant hooked up to dozens of machines it is easy to be overwhelmed.
Many people wonder if all the machines are necessary.
All of them serve a purpose and are critical to helping the doctor and nurses care for the baby. The Cardiorespiratory Monitor measures the babies heart and breathing rate as well as the heart and breathing pattern. It is three patches on the baby's skin hooked up to a computer. Temperature probes are coated wires attached to the babies skin that regulate the heat in the isolett or incubator. Premature infants often have IV's through which they receive nutrients, medication and fluids.