Physiological changes in the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and peripheral blood flow in low birth wight premature infants following oral gavage feedings

Preterm infants demonstrate physiologic instability during handling. The purpose of this study was to describe physiologic changes that occur before transfer, during transfer, and after transfer of the premature intubated and mechanically ventilated very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant. A secondary analysis of previously acquired data from an experimental study of 14 ventilated VLBW infants during skin-to-skin (SSC) holding was conducted. The results of this study reveal that the preparation for transfer and the transfer are physiologically stressful to the premature intubated VLBW. Minimizing nursing-care activities, excessive handling, and transfer of these infants until they are more stable or mature may be more favorable for their growth and welfare.