Effect of Inflatable Warming Blanket on Preventing Hypothermia in Neonates after Cesarean Section

To evaluate the effectiveness of an inflatable heating blanket in preventing hypothermia during hospital transport of neonates following cesarean section, and to assess its impact on vital signs and parental satisfaction.

Newborns delivered via cesarean section between June 2023 and October 2023 were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group infants were transported with the mother on a transport bed without additional warming. In the observation group, newborns were placed on an inflatable warming blanket before transport with the mother. The study included 96 newborns who met specific inclusion criteria. Vital signs, blood glucose, blood gas parameters, rectal temperature, incidence of adverse events, and parental satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

There were no significant differences in basic vital signs, blood glucose, blood gas parameters, or rectal temperature between the groups at the start of the study (P > .05). However, during transport, respiratory and pulse rates increased and rectal temperature decreased significantly in the control group (P < .05). In the observation group, there were no significant changes in vital signs, blood glucose, blood gas parameters, or rectal temperature during transport (P > .05). However, respiratory and pulse rates were lower, and rectal temperature was higher than the control group upon arrival in the ward (P < .05). The observation group had higher rectal temperatures, a lower incidence of hypothermia (rectal temperature <36.5°C), and greater parental satisfaction compared to the control group, with significant differences (P < .05).

Using an inflatable heating blanket effectively reduces the occurrence of hypothermia during neonatal transport after cesarean section, stabilizes vital signs, and enhances parental satisfaction. These findings suggest potential recommendations for clinical practice and could influence transport protocols in other hospitals.