The effect of newborn's first bath time on physiological variables

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the first bath timing after birth on the physiological variables of the newborn and to determine the most appropriate bath time. The research is a single-center, randomized controlled experimental design study. The research was conducted with a total of 120 newborn babies, including 60 moderate and late preterm newborns and 60 early-term newborn babies, who received inpatient care and treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit between October 2022 and November 2023. According to randomization, both moderate and late preterm newborns and early-term newborns were divided into two groups, the 24th hour and the 48th hour bath group, and were bathed. Physiological measurements of newborns were evaluated before bath, after bath, 10 minutes after bath and 60 minutes after bath. In the study, it was collected with the Baby Information Form and Physiological Variables Monitoring Form. Data were analyzed using chi-square, mean, percentage distributions, within-group repeated measures ANOVA test, and independent groups t-test. Post-bathing, body temperature and oxygen saturation values of moderate and late preterm newborns who were bathed 24 hours after birth were found to be significantly lower and post-bathing respiration was significantly higher in moderate and late preterm newborns who were bathed 48 hours later (p<0.05). No significant difference was detected in the post-bath heart rate, respiration, body temperature and oxygen saturation values of early term newborns who were bathed 24 hours and 48 hours after birth (p>0.05). The first bath for moderate and late preterm newborns who are bathed in neonatal intensive care units can be safely applied 48 hours after birth. The first bath for early-term newborns can be safely applied 24 hours after birth.