Common newborn health problems
Common newborn health problems just after birth are susceptible. They always need special care. New parents should be aware of common newborn health problems and how to overcome the issues to take care of the baby and ensure the baby’s wellbeing. Care for their child can be an exhausting experience for new parents. You are often worried about your Common newborn health problems while enjoying being a new parent.
Common newborn health problems include jaundice, cold & flu, cough, colic, etc. Many of these problems are not severe, but they need special care from their parents. As a parent or guardians, we should be aware of the problem that the baby is suffering from and the efforts to deal with it. If a newborn baby is crying, the baby wants to tell you something intolerable. So, it means we should be aware of what the baby needs and try to make efforts to solve the issues and consult the doctor for the baby’s good health.
Let’s have a look at some of the most common newborn health problems:
Colic:
Are you finding it difficult to understand why your newborn baby is crying? Chances are very high that the baby is suffering from colic. This condition is associated with gastroesophageal reflux, caused when acids of the stomach disgorged into the baby’s esophagus. The case can be suspected of colic if the baby has been crying continuously, even for the past three months. In that case, consultation with a doctor is necessary.
Cold & Flu:
The immune system of infants is susceptible. Chances of getting infection such as cold and flu from surroundings are very high. Symptoms of cold and flu are running nose, coughing, sneezing, etc. If the baby has symptoms, consult a doctor without delay. A simple cold & flu can cause pneumonia.
Ear Infection:
An ear infection is widespread in children, which makes them very uncomfortable. It is caused by germy fluids accommodated in the ear.
Constipation:
Constipation is prevalent below the age of 1 year. This happens due to a change in diet. Babies are introduced to new diets, such as solid diets resulting in erratic bowel movements. Many home remedies are available to solve this problem; one of them is changing the diet itself. If there is blood present in their diaper, consult to doctor as soon as possible. Also, if the problem of constipation doesn’t go even after making the change in diet, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
Diarrhea:
This condition is opposite to constipation- bowel movements that are frequent and watery which can be caused by several factors, including infection or medication or food allergy. Dehydration is associated with diarrhea; hence it is necessary to consult a doctor. If there is a bloody stool, don’t wait to bring it to the notice of your doctor.
Skin conditions:
Many types of skin conditions can be developed shortly after babies are born. Many of these conditions only for a significantly less period and go away. Some are birthmarks that may not be visible at birth but stays with the baby’s lifetime.
Jaundice:
Most babies are affected by jaundice, which is prevalent in newborns. In jaundice, skin and eyes become yellow. Some babies get relieved from jaundice on their own; others require treatment. Consultation of a doctor is necessary if the baby has more jaundice, is not feeding well, or has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers.
Fever:
Fever is the first and only sign of infection for newborn babies. Behaviour change is another sign of illness in babies. If the baby cries more or feels sleepy, the baby may be ill. If there are any concerns of infection or fever when the baby is less than one month of age should be taken to the doctor right away.
Feeding:
A newborn baby feeds very frequently for one & half hours to 3 hours for the initial few days to stimulate breasts to produce more milk volume. Three to four weeks requires establishing a feeding pattern and having a sense of schedule with the baby. If the baby passes a minimum of two substantial, yellowish bowel movements, that means the baby is getting enough milk.
The baby usually loses some weight after birth and should be back to birthweight in ten to fourteen days. Some babies are prone to spitting up some of their feed during or after the feeding. Sometimes spit up is effortless or with a burp. Vomiting is more forceful than spit-up. It involves more than just a couple of tablespoons of stomach content. If there is consistent vomiting that is forceful or if it contains dark green material, take the baby to the doctor.
Tips for new parents:
– Exclusive breastfeeding should be there for newborn babies, except that no other form of milk or anything else should be given for the first six months.
– For the first six months, only breast milk should be given to the baby.
– Baby should be adequately covered with clothes, especially feet, head, and hands but should not be overclothed.
– Watery stools after feeding for three-four days of life is quite normal.
– Well feeding baby can pass urine at least eight times a day and sleep at least 3 hours between feeds.
– Delay bath till the umbilical cord falls.
– Proper vaccination is necessary.
– Handling the newborn is one of the essential skills that new parents should learn. Before handling the baby, hands should be adequately washed or sanitised. Head and neck support should be there while carrying or picking up the baby. Avoid shaking the baby. Avoid bouncing the baby in the first month.
– Baby must burp after every feed, hold the baby in a sit-up position on the lap or against the chest and gently pat the back with a flat arm.
– Babies who are just born sleep two to four hours, which means the mother will have to wake up multiple times at night to feed.
– Follow-up visits to the doctors are essential.
– Keep an eye on the signs of symptoms such as jaundice or infection.
– Consult to doctor if there are any signs of skin infection.
– While leaving the hospital, learn about the baby’s umbilical cord care. The dried cord will fall off between 10 days and three weeks. Medical attention is required if the cord turns red, gives off an odour, or bleeds.
– Initial days after baby birth are full of excitement when parents and other closed ones learn to soothe and bond with the baby. Be gentle with the baby in these initial days.
Baby birth is an exciting time for new parents. It is a time for learning and joy for new parents. It is a time when mother and child need special medical attention and family support. Neonates are highly fragile in the first 28 days following birth. Proper care of mother and baby is an essential and high priority task.
