Newborns are prone to certain illnesses or conditions that can arise within the first couple weeks of life. If you notice any concerning symptoms in your baby, such as persistent crying, difficulty breathing, fever, or excessive sleepiness, it is important to contact their pediatrician right away. Early detection and treatment of illnesses can lead to better outcomes for the baby and reduce further complications. Guide by : child specialist in Ahmedabad
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin often found in newborns. It is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin in their blood. Though it is harmless, if left untreated, it can lead to brain injury due to high bilirubin levels. Breastfed babies are more prone to this condition due to the fact that they may not always be consuming enough milk and regular nursing sessions. To prevent this from happening, mothers should breastfeed frequently – 8-12 times a day – for adequate milk production.
Abnormal Bowel Movements:
After birth, the initial bowel movement may take up to twenty-four hours or more. The first poop, known as meconium, may be black or dark green and slimy. This first bowel movement is usually black or dark green and very slippery; this is meconium, a substance that has been in the infant’s intestines before birth. If your little one does not pass the meconium within the initial forty-eight hours, Your child specialist in Ahmedabad will need to do further evaluation as this could indicate issues with the lower bowel.
Respiratory distress
Respiratory distress in newborns is a condition where babies have difficulty breathing. Common signs of respiratory distress include rapid breathing (over 60 breaths per minute), chest retractions, nostril-flaring grunting while breathing, and blue skin colouring. Respiratory distress in newborns is a cause for alarm and requires immediate medical attention. If any of these symptoms are present, contact the pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad immediately, as it could be an emergency requiring medical attention.
Coughing
Coughing or gagging while breastfeeding is often due to a baby drinking too quickly; however, frequent coughing can also point to deeper issues with the lungs or digestive tract. If a newborn regularly coughs or sputters during feedings, the parents need to speak to their pediatrician about it before continuing feeding. Sometimes, all that’s required is for the mom to adjust how strong and fast her milk flows in order for the coughing and sputtering to subside.
Excessive Crying
Newborn babies are likely to cry often, and while it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. If you have ensured that they have been fed, burped, and are wearing a clean diaper and the baby continues to cry, a common strategy is to hold and talk or sing to them until they calm down. Not paying enough attention should never be a concern; the most important thing is to create an atmosphere that comforts your baby. If crying persists for an unusually long time or seems especially pained – like shrieks of pain – then it may indicate a medical issue, and it’s worth consulting the child specialist in Ahmedabad.
Reasons Why Newborns Need Extra Care and Attention:
Newborn babies are at a heightened risk for infection and need careful monitoring for signs of illness, especially during the first week. To ensure that your newborn is healthy, watch for changes in their normal feeding patterns, and do not hesitate to call your baby’s doctor if there are any abrupt changes. Furthermore, if you notice any other changes in your baby’s appearance or behaviour that seem unusual, contact a pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad without delay for expert advice.
When Should You See a Doctor:
Newborns require special care, and it is important to look out for signs of illness such as coughing, vomiting, or diarrhoea; changes in feeding; sweating during feedings; sleeping more than normal; pale, bluish, or grey skin on the arms and legs. Other symptoms such as a swollen soft spot on the head; fever in babies under 12 weeks old; low temperature below 96.8°F (36.0°C); pink, orange, or peach urine colour; inability to wake up; no movement or very weak movements; new moaning or grunting noises with each breath also indicate urgent medical care. If any of these symptoms should arise, seek medical attention right away, as it could indicate a life-threatening emergency.
