See also Guideline on Management of Hypoglycaemia

See also Hypoglycaemia on the Postnatal Ward

• These babies are at risk of hypoglycaemia.
• Routine blood glucose measurement should have been requested by the LMC or paediatrician within the first hour following birth and 4-hourly or pre-feed thereafter (whichever comes first).
• All blood glucose measurements should be performed by the Laboratory.
• Bedside testing methods (BM-stix, Precision-G monitors) are not reliable at detecting hypoglycaemia.
• Baby should be closely observed for signs of hypoglycaemia, e.g. jitteriness.
• Feeding should be commenced early; first feed within one hour of delivery and thereafter at least 3 hourly.
• Either breast or formula feeds (maternal preference) can be given.
• Complementary feeds are not necessary unless the baby's blood glucose falls to <2.6mmol/L.