Abstract
Neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units are exposed to a high number of painful procedures for their survival. Faced with a pain that is predictable, it is imperative to implement analgesia before carrying out the procedure, to reduce the impact of the painful experience, maximize the infant’s capacity for recovery, and activate their internal inhibitory control system. In addition, other sources of stress are present in an intensive care environment, which contribute to increase sensitivity of the neonates to future episodes of pain. To minimize the consequences of this harmful environment, especially in the most vulnerable babies, premature and/or those with a serious clinical situation, there are validated recommendations for special care to wherever possible prevent pain, family’s empowerment for comfort care, and support. Pain management is not just about administering a medication or another treatment, but rather integrated approaches that reduce or block the nociceptive activity of the trauma associated with invasive procedures. To minimize the adverse effects, pain management in neonatal care units requires the use of effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The selection of analgesic interventions by healthcare professionals will depend on the type of the procedure, as well as the clinical condition of the newborn.