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Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) in Premature Infants

A premature infant may have low blood pressure (hypotension) after birth. Some early causes of low blood pressure include infection, blood loss, and fluid loss.

If blood pressure is only mildly decreased, it may only need to be monitored. If treatment is needed, one or more of the following may be used:

  • Medicine to increase blood pressure
  • Intravenous fluids (fluids given through a vein)
  • Blood transfusion, if low blood pressure is related to blood loss
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised April 14, 2011

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

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