New Mommies- Watch Out For These Newborn Conditions

 The journey of a tiny baby from the womb to the world is a tough one and a mother knows the struggle well enough.

Surely, the baby’s birth is an occasion to celebrate but you cannot just take any chances with the little one’s health.

Newborns are vulnerable and need extra care during the first few months of life.

As a new mother, your instincts are likely to make you extra vigilant about the slightest of the problems of the baby.

Still, there are some conditions that you may miss but these are often ones that require immediate medical attention.

Here are a few you must watch out for.

Neonatal jaundice

Jaundice is frequently found in newborns and infants.

Characterized by a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, it occurs when due to excessive bilirubin in the baby’s blood.

Fortunately, neonatal jaundice usually resolves with time.

In most cases, you can expect it to disappear within a few weeks after birth.

However, you need to seek a pediatrician’s advice if it persists for more than three weeks because it could indicate an underlying condition.

Birth injuries

Since labor can be strenuous, there are chances that the baby may sustain a physical injury.

Larger babies are at a higher risk because of the use of the forceps for the delivery.

Infants delivered normally can have visible swelling on the scalp due to the vacuum.

Most of them often recover quickly from birth trauma, while it could take some time for others.

There can also be an injury to the collar born though it heals fast if the arm on the affected side is kept still.

Orthopedic issues

Orthopedic issues are common in babies but you may miss them at this stage.

Hip dysplasia, clubfoot, and Metatarsus Adductus are the ones that are seen in a significant number of newborns.

Timely detection and early treatment of these conditions can save the baby a lot of trouble because they can be resolved with non-invasive measures at this stage.

Since these issues are mainly due to misalignment of joints, they can be effectively treated with manipulation, casting, and specialized footwear.

Blue skin

You may notice that your newborn has bluish hands and feet.

The color often fades in time with the improvement in blood circulation.

But a bluish tinge around the mouth is a reason to worry.

Similarly, you need to take the infant to a doctor if the problem persists for long and is accompanied by breathing difficulties.

This could be an indication of dysfunction in the baby’s heart and lungs.

Abdominal distension

Another sign you should be watchful about is abdominal distension, which is indicated by swelling and hardness of the belly.

Although even a healthy infant may have a hard and swollen abdomen, the condition being persistent is a warning sign of an underlying condition.

There could also be less serious issues such as gas or constipation but need to be treated immediately.

For a mother, the smallest of problems with your child can be distressing.

And you have to be extra careful with a newborn because they cannot communicate their problems and needs.