Health

Serious health problems to look out for with your newborn

Your child’s health will always be your number one priority. When things go wrong, it can be incredibly difficult to know what to do. That’s why this article outlines some of the serious problems you need to look out for with your newborn.

Birth injury

A birth injury can happen at any time during the baby’s delivery and can be very serious. For instance, a brain injury at birth can damage a child’s cognitive ability and seriously hamper their development. This is why every parent should know how to identify one and act accordingly.

To make sure that this doesn’t happen, make sure the doctor or midwife is supporting your baby’s head properly. If you notice your child has a weak cry or appears tired at any point after their birth, seek medical attention immediately to prevent long-term damage.

Sepsis

This condition occurs when an infection gets into the bloodstream and spreads around rapidly. Babies are particularly susceptible to sepsis because they have an undeveloped immune system. It doesn’t take long for sepsis to cause damage, especially in infants. This is why you should ask your pediatrician about the symptoms of sepsis and how to treat it properly.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that causes the muscles in the body to contract badly. It can have a significant impact on your baby’s growth and development if they are diagnosed with it. You should monitor your baby for any signs of cerebral palsy after their birth.

The most common sign of cerebral palsy is a delay in development. If you notice that your baby’s milestones (such as smiling and crawling) are not happening when they should be, seek medical attention immediately. It’s also important to check for signs like posturing of the limbs or muscle tone abnormalities.

Your baby’s doctor will refer you to an expert should your child need further treatment.

Erb’s palsy

Erb’s palsy is the most common birth injury. It is a condition that occurs when the neck of your baby gets pulled by the doctor or midwife during delivery. If you are told to push while lying on your back, it’s very likely that there will be some accidental traction on your child’s shoulder and neck.

The symptoms of Erb’s palsy usually include a weak cry, an inability to lift the head up or reach for items, and a drooping arm that stays next to the body. These are all signs your baby has been injured during delivery, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them.

Group b strep

Contracting a group b strep infection is common during pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife will tell you if you are at risk of developing the condition, which means that your baby is at risk too. Group b strep infections can cause serious problems for a newborn infant, so it’s vital to be familiar with the symptoms as soon as possible. These are:

  • a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius)
  • breathing problems
  • feeding intolerance that doesn’t get better even when you try to help your baby by using a different technique

No one wants to see their child get sick. That’s why it is so important to understand the serious health problems to look out for in your newborn. Even the most attentive parents will occasionally miss something. Be sure to keep a close eye on your child and monitor their health carefully.

Cheryl Henson

Cheryl Henson is a passionate blogger and digital marketing professional who loves writing, reading, and sharing blogs on various topics.

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