Bringing a newborn home is an exciting time, but it can also come with some challenges, especially regarding digestion. Newborns may experience gastric problems that can cause discomfort for the baby and their parents.
Here, we will discuss the symptoms of newborn gastric problems, tips to help relieve them, and how long these issues typically last.
How do I know my newborn is having a gastric problem?
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate your newborn is having a gastric problem:
1. Spitting up or vomiting
Babies often spit milk with burps or after feedings due to their weak and immature sphincter muscles (a ring-shaped muscle in the body that relaxes or tightens to open or close a passage). However, forceful vomiting or spitting up considerable amounts of milk following most feedings may suggest stomach problems in newborns.
If your baby is frequently vomiting (especially green-tinged or discoloured) or shows other signs of discomfort, seek immediate medical attention from your baby’s paediatrician.
2. Diarrhoea
Formula-fed newborns’ bowel motions are often yellow and shaped. They can happen once or twice a day, sometimes more. Breastfed babies have soft, seedy, yellow-green bowel motions several times a day, sometimes as often as every few hours with feedings.
Diarrhoea in babies causes frequent, watery bowel movements, which can quickly lead to severe dehydration and should be addressed immediately. Some other signs of diarrhoea include:
The stool contains mucus or has a bad odour
Lethargic (or less active than normal)
Poor eating
Acting sick or fever
If your baby experiences a change in bowel motions or shows these signs, seek advice from your baby’s physician.
3. Hiccups
Hiccups in babies are common and usually harmless. However, when babies experience digestive issues, they may develop persistent hiccups that can be bothersome and uncomfortable.
This frequently comes with stomach pain, which can make them cry. So, if you notice your newborn is experiencing frequent hiccups and seems fussy or in discomfort, they may have digestive problems that need attention.
4. Colic
Colitis is a condition that affects some healthy newborns between 3-4 months of age, causing continuous and uncontrollable crying for several hours each day, which can be very stressful for parents. It usually begins about three weeks of age, peaks at six weeks, and improves gradually by three months.
Babies may have colic due to the following reasons:
Adjusting to parents and the new world
Temperament
Gas hypersensitivity
Milk Allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk-based formulas
5. Reflux
Some babies may experience reflux, a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach), causing irritation and discomfort. This can cause them to spit excessively and choke during feedings.
In severe cases, when the stomach contents back up into the oesophagus, the baby may vomit and breathe the contents into the lungs. This can cause rattling or wheezing sounds in your baby’s chest and back and may require medical attention.
6. Abdominal distension
Abdominal distension is common in newborns, where their bellies may appear larger after eating. However, their stomach should feel soft in between feedings. If it feels hard or the baby has not had a bowel movement in 1-2 days, it could be due to gas constipation, or possibly a more serious digestive problem.
What helps an infant’s digestion problem?
Here are some tips to follow that may help ease a newborn’s digestive problem:
1. Change the feeding position
When feeding babies, it’s important to keep their heads slightly elevated above their bellies to prevent discomfort or complications. Changing the babies’ positions while eating can help keep their heads elevated. This can be done by holding the babies upright or at slightly inclined angles, using breastfeeding pillows or reclined baby seats. Keeping the babies’ heads slightly elevated can help prevent milk or formula from flowing back into their throats and causing choking or discomfort. Additionally, it can help babies digest their food easily and lessen the likelihood of gas or reflux.
2. Improve latch
A latch refers to how a baby attaches to the breast while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding mothers need to ensure that their babies are latching onto the breast correctly by taking in the areola and creating a good suction. If the latch is improper, babies may have difficulty attaching to the breast, leading to frequent detachment and swallowing more air, which can cause discomfort and fussiness.
Here are some tips to promote a good latch while breastfeeding:
Try to create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
Hold your baby close to your bare chest to encourage skin-to-skin contact.
Let your baby take the lead. However, you can guide your baby towards your breast.
Support your baby’s head and neck. Avoid forcing your baby’s mouth onto your breast.
Let your breasts naturally hang.
Additionally, you can consult a lactation consultant if you have issues with the latch or other breastfeeding problems.
3. Check the flow
Mothers should pay attention to the flow speed of the milk when feeding their newborns, whether from the breast or a bottle. A high flow speed can cause newborns to gulp plenty of air with their meals, leading to discomfort and even colic.
If breastfeeding, you can avoid this by pumping or hand expressing for a few minutes before nursing, as flow tends to be fastest at let-down. If bottle-feeding, you can switch to a slower-flow nipple to reduce the flow speed. This helps the babies to drink at a more comfortable pace, which should reduce the amount of air they swallow.
It’s important to note that not all newborns have the same flow preferences, so you may need to experiment with different nipples until you find the one that works best for your baby.
4. Adjust bottle technique
When feeding babies with bottles, it’s important to prevent excess air intake as it can cause discomfort and gas. To avoid this, tilt the bottles at an angle that fills the entire nipple with milk, allowing the babies to feed without sucking in the air.
When using powdered formula, it’s best to let the bottle sit and settle before feeding your newborn. Shaking and mixing the formula can create bubbles, which newborns can ingest and cause discomfort and gas. To prevent this, consider using ready-made formula or specially designed vented bottles to help reduce the bubbles your newborn ingests and thus prevent gastric problems.
Experimenting with different bottles and techniques can help you find what works best for your babies.
5. Burp the baby twice
Swallowing air during feedings can cause a lot of discomfort in newborns. While feeding, babies often cry, gulp, and suckle, which can lead to swallowing air that can cause burps or gas. Burping your baby during and after a feeding is essential for preventing gas buildup. It will help release trapped air and ease your baby’s discomfort.
Consider burping your baby midway through the feeding by gently patting your baby’s back. You can also try burping your baby after every 2-3 ounces of bottle feeding or every 5-10 minutes of breastfeeding.
6. Encourage tummy time
Tummy time is not only vital for babies’ physical development, but it can also help relieve stubborn gas. The exercise can help the gas pass through their bodies, like a tummy massage. Being active can also encourage movement and ease discomfort.
However, wait 20-30 minutes after feeding before placing your baby on the tummy to avoid spitting up. You should also supervise your baby during tummy time to ensure safety.
How long do gastrointestinal problems in infants last?
Gastrointestinal problems are common in babies, especially when they are infants. Its duration can vary depending on the illness and condition. Some common gastrointestinal problems in infants include reflux, colic, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Reflux and colic usually resolve on their own by the time the infant is 3-4 months old. Diarrhoea caused by a viral infection normally clears up within a week, while diarrhoea caused by a bacterial infection may take longer. Constipation can last longer, but it is often manageable with changes in diet or medication.
However, if your infant has prolonged or severe gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Take Away
Newborn gastric problems can be challenging for both the baby and the parents. However, with proper care, the symptoms can be relieved. It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and look for signs of discomfort.
Consult with a paediatrician at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital if you suspect your baby is experiencing gastrointestinal problems, as they can provide valuable guidance and advice.
Remember that every baby is different, and some may experience digestive issues for longer than others. You can help your baby feel more comfortable and thrive with patience and care.
Bringing a newborn home is an exciting time, but it can also come with some challenges, especially regarding digestion. Newborns may experience gastric problems that can cause discomfort for the baby and their parents.
Here, we will discuss the symptoms of newborn gastric problems, tips to help relieve them, and how long these issues typically last.
How do I know my newborn is having a gastric problem?
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate your newborn is having a gastric problem:
1. Spitting up or vomiting
Babies often spit milk with burps or after feedings due to their weak and immature sphincter muscles (a ring-shaped muscle in the body that relaxes or tightens to open or close a passage). However, forceful vomiting or spitting up considerable amounts of milk following most feedings may suggest stomach problems in newborns.
If your baby is frequently vomiting (especially green-tinged or discoloured) or shows other signs of discomfort, seek immediate medical attention from your baby’s paediatrician.
2. Diarrhoea
Formula-fed newborns’ bowel motions are often yellow and shaped. They can happen once or twice a day, sometimes more. Breastfed babies have soft, seedy, yellow-green bowel motions several times a day, sometimes as often as every few hours with feedings.
Diarrhoea in babies causes frequent, watery bowel movements, which can quickly lead to severe dehydration and should be addressed immediately. Some other signs of diarrhoea include:
The stool contains mucus or has a bad odour
Lethargic (or less active than normal)
Poor eating
Acting sick or fever
If your baby experiences a change in bowel motions or shows these signs, seek advice from your baby’s physician.
3. Hiccups
Hiccups in babies are common and usually harmless. However, when babies experience digestive issues, they may develop persistent hiccups that can be bothersome and uncomfortable.
This frequently comes with stomach pain, which can make them cry. So, if you notice your newborn is experiencing frequent hiccups and seems fussy or in discomfort, they may have digestive problems that need attention.
4. Colic
Colitis is a condition that affects some healthy newborns between 3-4 months of age, causing continuous and uncontrollable crying for several hours each day, which can be very stressful for parents. It usually begins about three weeks of age, peaks at six weeks, and improves gradually by three months.
Babies may have colic due to the following reasons:
Adjusting to parents and the new world
Temperament
Gas hypersensitivity
Milk Allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk-based formulas
5. Reflux
Some babies may experience reflux, a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach), causing irritation and discomfort. This can cause them to spit excessively and choke during feedings.
In severe cases, when the stomach contents back up into the oesophagus, the baby may vomit and breathe the contents into the lungs. This can cause rattling or wheezing sounds in your baby’s chest and back and may require medical attention.
6. Abdominal distension
Abdominal distension is common in newborns, where their bellies may appear larger after eating. However, their stomach should feel soft in between feedings. If it feels hard or the baby has not had a bowel movement in 1-2 days, it could be due to gas constipation, or possibly a more serious digestive problem.
What helps an infant’s digestion problem?
Here are some tips to follow that may help ease a newborn’s digestive problem:
1. Change the feeding position
When feeding babies, it’s important to keep their heads slightly elevated above their bellies to prevent discomfort or complications. Changing the babies’ positions while eating can help keep their heads elevated. This can be done by holding the babies upright or at slightly inclined angles, using breastfeeding pillows or reclined baby seats. Keeping the babies’ heads slightly elevated can help prevent milk or formula from flowing back into their throats and causing choking or discomfort. Additionally, it can help babies digest their food easily and lessen the likelihood of gas or reflux.
2. Improve latch
A latch refers to how a baby attaches to the breast while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding mothers need to ensure that their babies are latching onto the breast correctly by taking in the areola and creating a good suction. If the latch is improper, babies may have difficulty attaching to the breast, leading to frequent detachment and swallowing more air, which can cause discomfort and fussiness.
Here are some tips to promote a good latch while breastfeeding:
Try to create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
Hold your baby close to your bare chest to encourage skin-to-skin contact.
Let your baby take the lead. However, you can guide your baby towards your breast.
Support your baby’s head and neck. Avoid forcing your baby’s mouth onto your breast.
Let your breasts naturally hang.
Additionally, you can consult a lactation consultant if you have issues with the latch or other breastfeeding problems.
3. Check the flow
Mothers should pay attention to the flow speed of the milk when feeding their newborns, whether from the breast or a bottle. A high flow speed can cause newborns to gulp plenty of air with their meals, leading to discomfort and even colic.
If breastfeeding, you can avoid this by pumping or hand expressing for a few minutes before nursing, as flow tends to be fastest at let-down. If bottle-feeding, you can switch to a slower-flow nipple to reduce the flow speed. This helps the babies to drink at a more comfortable pace, which should reduce the amount of air they swallow.
It’s important to note that not all newborns have the same flow preferences, so you may need to experiment with different nipples until you find the one that works best for your baby.
4. Adjust bottle technique
When feeding babies with bottles, it’s important to prevent excess air intake as it can cause discomfort and gas. To avoid this, tilt the bottles at an angle that fills the entire nipple with milk, allowing the babies to feed without sucking in the air.
When using powdered formula, it’s best to let the bottle sit and settle before feeding your newborn. Shaking and mixing the formula can create bubbles, which newborns can ingest and cause discomfort and gas. To prevent this, consider using ready-made formula or specially designed vented bottles to help reduce the bubbles your newborn ingests and thus prevent gastric problems.
Experimenting with different bottles and techniques can help you find what works best for your babies.
5. Burp the baby twice
Swallowing air during feedings can cause a lot of discomfort in newborns. While feeding, babies often cry, gulp, and suckle, which can lead to swallowing air that can cause burps or gas. Burping your baby during and after a feeding is essential for preventing gas buildup. It will help release trapped air and ease your baby’s discomfort.
Consider burping your baby midway through the feeding by gently patting your baby’s back. You can also try burping your baby after every 2-3 ounces of bottle feeding or every 5-10 minutes of breastfeeding.
6. Encourage tummy time
Tummy time is not only vital for babies’ physical development, but it can also help relieve stubborn gas. The exercise can help the gas pass through their bodies, like a tummy massage. Being active can also encourage movement and ease discomfort.
However, wait 20-30 minutes after feeding before placing your baby on the tummy to avoid spitting up. You should also supervise your baby during tummy time to ensure safety.
How long do gastrointestinal problems in infants last?
Gastrointestinal problems are common in babies, especially when they are infants. Its duration can vary depending on the illness and condition. Some common gastrointestinal problems in infants include reflux, colic, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Reflux and colic usually resolve on their own by the time the infant is 3-4 months old. Diarrhoea caused by a viral infection normally clears up within a week, while diarrhoea caused by a bacterial infection may take longer. Constipation can last longer, but it is often manageable with changes in diet or medication.
However, if your infant has prolonged or severe gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Take Away
Newborn gastric problems can be challenging for both the baby and the parents. However, with proper care, the symptoms can be relieved. It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and look for signs of discomfort.
Consult with a paediatrician at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital if you suspect your baby is experiencing gastrointestinal problems, as they can provide valuable guidance and advice.
Remember that every baby is different, and some may experience digestive issues for longer than others. You can help your baby feel more comfortable and thrive with patience and care.
Teething is a natural and critical part of your baby’s growth. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to ease your baby’s discomfort and ensure their teeth grow healthy and strong.
This can lead to questions about the best teething remedies and ways to make your little one smile during teething.
Here’s a guide that answers infant teething questions related to teething rashes, teething syndrome and more.
What Is Teething, And When Does It Start?
Teething is a natural process where a baby’s teeth start to push through its gums. Most babies start teething at seven months. However, in some cases, teething can start before your little one turns four months old. Meanwhile, teething continues for 24 months or more.
Some babies experience teething earlier or later than others. Therefore, there’s no need to worry if your little one’s teething seems delayed or ahead of schedule. Just monitor their progress and consult your paediatrician if you have any concerns.
What are the Common Signs of Teething?
The most common sign of infant teething is swollen or sore gums. This can make your toddlers fussy and irritated. So, they may cry more often than normal or want to chew everything they can get their hands on. But don’t worry. You can manage these symptoms with easy baby teething remedies, which we’ll look into later in the article.
Besides swollen or sore gums, here are some other signs of infant teething.
Teething stimulates the salivary glands, causing your little one to drool more than usual.
During teething, your baby may want to chew on everything they can get their hands on, including their own hands, toys, and even furniture.
Teething makes it difficult for your baby to eat and sleep comfortably, leading to changes in their usual patterns of food and sleep.
Excessive drooling can cause a rash around your baby’s mouth and chin.
Parents must know that babies might have different symptoms during teething. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult your paediatrician to confirm if your infant is teething.
What is a Baby Teething Chart?
An infant teething chart demonstrates the teething stages of your little one. Simply put, it shows how your baby will get different types of teeth, such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Here we describe the teething stages.
Teething at 6-10 months:
Most babies start teething when they are 6 to 10 months old. Your little one will have swollen gums and redness in the area where the teeth are coming. Most babies start teething with lower central incisors. They are the two bottom middle teeth in your little one’s mouth.
Teething at 8-12 months:
The teething symptoms from the previous stage are evident in this stage too. Most babies get their two upper middle teeth during this time.
Teething at 9-16 months:
You can see your baby’s teeth when they smile. You might also notice an evident increase in drool, crankiness, and the need to chew solid objects in your babies. Most babies in this stage develop a pair of teeth on either side of the upper middle teeth. Consecutively, they also develop a pair of teeth on either side of the lower middle teeth.
Teething at 13-18 months:
Your baby might experience loss of appetite and mild temperature in this teething stage. Their sleep schedule may also become sporadic. It’s because of their first molar eruption. Your little one’s first molars- teeth at the back of the mouth- will erupt on the top, followed by the bottom.
Teething at 16-23 months:
The canine teeth will erupt during this phase. The first canine teeth will appear on either side of the upper lateral incisors and molar, followed by the bottom canine on either side of the lower lateral incisors and molar.
Teething at 22-31 months:
This stage is painful for some babies. It’s because during this time the largest molar emerged. These are the biggest teeth and parents might need to find new ways to soothe their little ones.
Always remember that the baby teething chart may not be the same for all babies. So, don’t panic if your baby doesn’t follow the conventional infant teething chart.
When do the Primary Teeth shed?
The primary teeth don’t start to shed until your little one grows up to the age of 6 to 7 years.
What is Teething Syndrome, and How Common is it?
Teething syndrome refers to the symptoms your little ones may experience as their teething process starts. It’s a natural process and incredibly common in infants.
It’s important to note that not all babies experience teething syndrome. However, it’s important to be prepared for teething syndrome and know how to comfort your little one.
How to Take Care of Babies During Teething?
Seeing your little ones go through teething can be tough, but there are plenty of natural remedies that you can use to reduce their pain and soothe their gums. Here are some baby teething remedies to try:
Teething toys:
These are soft, chewy toys that can help satisfy your baby’s chewing urges. They come in various forms, like rubber teething rings or toys, so you can pick the ones your baby is comfortable with. These teething toys can be a perfect distraction from pain and discomfort.
Chilled foods:
If your little one is already eating solids, give them frozen or cold fruits to soothe their sore gums.
Massage:
Teething babies often find it soothing to have their gums rubbed gently. So gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can ease their discomfort.
Never give pain relievers to treat teething pain without consulting your paediatrician. That’s because pain relief medicines contain local anaesthetics, which are not suitable for infants under the age of three months.
What are Common Myths Associated with Infant Teething?
While caring is one part, people also get influenced by the myths. So, it is necessary to know the right information so you can care for your little one better. Here are four common myths associated with teething.
Teething causes high fever:
Baby teething doesn’t cause a high fever. Although some babies may experience a slight increase in body temperature while teething.
Teething causes diarrhoea:
It’s a common myth that parents believe. However, there is no evidence to prove that teething causes diarrhoea. Some babies may experience loose stools or diarrhoea during teething because they put things in their mouths that cause gastrointestinal illness.
Teething causes ear infections:
Some babies may have rashes on their ears while teething. However, having ear infections during teething is rare. But, teething and ear infections can occur at the same time, as they are both common in infants.
Teething happens all at once:
Teething is a process that can take several months to complete, and not all teeth come in at the same time.
It’s important to consult a paediatrician if you have questions about teething myths.
Final Thoughts
Baby teething can be a challenging time for both parents and babies. However, knowing what to expect and how to provide relief can make the process comfortable for your little one.
Contact a local paediatrician for guidance and support if you’re worried about your baby’s teething process. You can enjoy this exciting milestone with your little one with love, patience, and care.
Teething is a natural and critical part of your baby’s growth. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to ease your baby’s discomfort and ensure their teeth grow healthy and strong.
This can lead to questions about the best teething remedies and ways to make your little one smile during teething.
Here’s a guide that answers infant teething questions related to teething rashes, teething syndrome and more.
What Is Teething, And When Does It Start?
Teething is a natural process where a baby’s teeth start to push through its gums. Most babies start teething at seven months. However, in some cases, teething can start before your little one turns four months old. Meanwhile, teething continues for 24 months or more.
Some babies experience teething earlier or later than others. Therefore, there’s no need to worry if your little one’s teething seems delayed or ahead of schedule. Just monitor their progress and consult your paediatrician if you have any concerns.
What are the Common Signs of Teething?
The most common sign of infant teething is swollen or sore gums. This can make your toddlers fussy and irritated. So, they may cry more often than normal or want to chew everything they can get their hands on. But don’t worry. You can manage these symptoms with easy baby teething remedies, which we’ll look into later in the article.
Besides swollen or sore gums, here are some other signs of infant teething.
Teething stimulates the salivary glands, causing your little one to drool more than usual.
During teething, your baby may want to chew on everything they can get their hands on, including their own hands, toys, and even furniture.
Teething makes it difficult for your baby to eat and sleep comfortably, leading to changes in their usual patterns of food and sleep.
Excessive drooling can cause a rash around your baby’s mouth and chin.
Parents must know that babies might have different symptoms during teething. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult your paediatrician to confirm if your infant is teething.
What is a Baby Teething Chart?
An infant teething chart demonstrates the teething stages of your little one. Simply put, it shows how your baby will get different types of teeth, such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Here we describe the teething stages.
Teething at 6-10 months:
Most babies start teething when they are 6 to 10 months old. Your little one will have swollen gums and redness in the area where the teeth are coming. Most babies start teething with lower central incisors. They are the two bottom middle teeth in your little one’s mouth.
Teething at 8-12 months:
The teething symptoms from the previous stage are evident in this stage too. Most babies get their two upper middle teeth during this time.
Teething at 9-16 months:
You can see your baby’s teeth when they smile. You might also notice an evident increase in drool, crankiness, and the need to chew solid objects in your babies. Most babies in this stage develop a pair of teeth on either side of the upper middle teeth. Consecutively, they also develop a pair of teeth on either side of the lower middle teeth.
Teething at 13-18 months:
Your baby might experience loss of appetite and mild temperature in this teething stage. Their sleep schedule may also become sporadic. It’s because of their first molar eruption. Your little one’s first molars- teeth at the back of the mouth- will erupt on the top, followed by the bottom.
Teething at 16-23 months:
The canine teeth will erupt during this phase. The first canine teeth will appear on either side of the upper lateral incisors and molar, followed by the bottom canine on either side of the lower lateral incisors and molar.
Teething at 22-31 months:
This stage is painful for some babies. It’s because during this time the largest molar emerged. These are the biggest teeth and parents might need to find new ways to soothe their little ones.
Always remember that the baby teething chart may not be the same for all babies. So, don’t panic if your baby doesn’t follow the conventional infant teething chart.
When do the Primary Teeth shed?
The primary teeth don’t start to shed until your little one grows up to the age of 6 to 7 years.
What is Teething Syndrome, and How Common is it?
Teething syndrome refers to the symptoms your little ones may experience as their teething process starts. It’s a natural process and incredibly common in infants.
It’s important to note that not all babies experience teething syndrome. However, it’s important to be prepared for teething syndrome and know how to comfort your little one.
How to Take Care of Babies During Teething?
Seeing your little ones go through teething can be tough, but there are plenty of natural remedies that you can use to reduce their pain and soothe their gums. Here are some baby teething remedies to try:
Teething toys:
These are soft, chewy toys that can help satisfy your baby’s chewing urges. They come in various forms, like rubber teething rings or toys, so you can pick the ones your baby is comfortable with. These teething toys can be a perfect distraction from pain and discomfort.
Chilled foods:
If your little one is already eating solids, give them frozen or cold fruits to soothe their sore gums.
Massage:
Teething babies often find it soothing to have their gums rubbed gently. So gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can ease their discomfort.
Never give pain relievers to treat teething pain without consulting your paediatrician. That’s because pain relief medicines contain local anaesthetics, which are not suitable for infants under the age of three months.
What are Common Myths Associated with Infant Teething?
While caring is one part, people also get influenced by the myths. So, it is necessary to know the right information so you can care for your little one better. Here are four common myths associated with teething.
Teething causes high fever:
Baby teething doesn’t cause a high fever. Although some babies may experience a slight increase in body temperature while teething.
Teething causes diarrhoea:
It’s a common myth that parents believe. However, there is no evidence to prove that teething causes diarrhoea. Some babies may experience loose stools or diarrhoea during teething because they put things in their mouths that cause gastrointestinal illness.
Teething causes ear infections:
Some babies may have rashes on their ears while teething. However, having ear infections during teething is rare. But, teething and ear infections can occur at the same time, as they are both common in infants.
Teething happens all at once:
Teething is a process that can take several months to complete, and not all teeth come in at the same time.
It’s important to consult a paediatrician if you have questions about teething myths.
Final Thoughts
Baby teething can be a challenging time for both parents and babies. However, knowing what to expect and how to provide relief can make the process comfortable for your little one.
Contact a local paediatrician for guidance and support if you’re worried about your baby’s teething process. You can enjoy this exciting milestone with your little one with love, patience, and care.
Teething is a natural and critical part of your baby’s growth....
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Quadruple Marker Test – There are many tests carried out during the time of pregnancy that can help one check up on maternal and foetal wellbeing. Marker tests help in detecting congenital and genetic disorders in the foetus. Most of the time, marker tests are carried out to see if the foetus could potentially have Down’s syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality affecting the physiological and psychological development of the child. For this reason, these tests are of utmost importance in the first and second trimesters.
Dual Marker Test
The dual marker test is a screening test, or a blood test conducted during the first trimester, anytime between the 11th and 13th week of pregnancy. This test is often accompanied by a Nuchal Translucency scan, better known as an NT scan. The blood test is intended to measure two markers called the human chorionic gonadotrophin, hCG, and the pregnancy-associated plasma protein or PAPP-A, while the NT scan gauges the fluid under the skin at the back of the foetus’ neck. The results of these tests can determine whether the child would have Down syndrome. If the results present unusual levels of hCG and PAPP-A, along with a high NT scan value, then it is highly likely that the child is at risk for Down Syndrome. These results will also show if the mother falls in the screen positive AKA high risk or screen negative or low-risk category. One out of 350 expecting mothers in India carries a Down syndrome baby, and depending on the results, the mother would be advised for more invasive tests such as Screening for Down Syndrome, amniocentesis, or CVS sampling.
Triple and Quadruple Marker Test
Unlike the dual marker test, a triple or quadruple screening test is carried out during the second trimester of pregnancy. The 15th to 20th week period is ideal for conducting these tests. Normally, a quadruple marker test is comparatively more sensitive than the triple marker test. For both of these tests, the expecting mother is advised to take these tests to check if the foetus will inherit any genetic disorders.
For the quadruple marker test, the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin or b-hCG, serum alpha-fetoprotein or AFP, unconjugated estriol uEst, and Inhibin A, are the four hormones that are checked.
If the expecting mother is at risk of carrying a child who will have Down syndrome, then there are chances of hCG being high, while AFP and uEst would be lower than usual. Similar to the dual marker test, the doctors will go on to suggest other invasive tests based on the results of the aforementioned tests.
Note: These screening tests have 99.9% accuracy, and hence any major decisions should be taken only once you consult the doctor.
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Quadruple Marker Test – There are many tests carried out during the time of pregnancy that can help one check up on maternal and foetal wellbeing. Marker tests help in detecting congenital and genetic disorders in the foetus. Most of the time, marker tests are carried out to see if the foetus could potentially have Down’s syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality affecting the physiological and psychological development of the child. For this reason, these tests are of utmost importance in the first and second trimesters.
Dual Marker Test
The dual marker test is a screening test, or a blood test conducted during the first trimester, anytime between the 11th and 13th week of pregnancy. This test is often accompanied by a Nuchal Translucency scan, better known as an NT scan. The blood test is intended to measure two markers called the human chorionic gonadotrophin, hCG, and the pregnancy-associated plasma protein or PAPP-A, while the NT scan gauges the fluid under the skin at the back of the foetus’ neck. The results of these tests can determine whether the child would have Down syndrome. If the results present unusual levels of hCG and PAPP-A, along with a high NT scan value, then it is highly likely that the child is at risk for Down Syndrome. These results will also show if the mother falls in the screen positive AKA high risk or screen negative or low-risk category. One out of 350 expecting mothers in India carries a Down syndrome baby, and depending on the results, the mother would be advised for more invasive tests such as Screening for Down Syndrome, amniocentesis, or CVS sampling.
Triple and Quadruple Marker Test
Unlike the dual marker test, a triple or quadruple screening test is carried out during the second trimester of pregnancy. The 15th to 20th week period is ideal for conducting these tests. Normally, a quadruple marker test is comparatively more sensitive than the triple marker test. For both of these tests, the expecting mother is advised to take these tests to check if the foetus will inherit any genetic disorders.
For the quadruple marker test, the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin or b-hCG, serum alpha-fetoprotein or AFP, unconjugated estriol uEst, and Inhibin A, are the four hormones that are checked.
If the expecting mother is at risk of carrying a child who will have Down syndrome, then there are chances of hCG being high, while AFP and uEst would be lower than usual. Similar to the dual marker test, the doctors will go on to suggest other invasive tests based on the results of the aforementioned tests.
Note: These screening tests have 99.9% accuracy, and hence any major decisions should be taken only once you consult the doctor.
Quadruple Marker Test – There are many tests carried out durin...
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Does Your Baby Need Neonatal Care? this is a very crucial question nowadays.
As wonderful as it seems, giving birth can also be a complex process, since many physical and emotional changes are observed in both the mother and the baby. The baby must undergo several physical adjustments to life once it is outside the mother’s body. Once the baby is out of the womb, it cannot sustain their mother’s blood supply and placenta for their bodily functions.
When the baby is in the womb, they depend on their mother for all their bodily functions, including breathing, eating, elimination of waste, and immune protection. As soon as the baby leaves the womb, the organs must start functioning. For instance, the lungs must start respiration, the cardiac and pulmonary circulation must change, the digestive system must begin to process food and excrete waste, while the kidneys must begin working to balance fluids & chemicals in the body and excrete waste.
The newborn baby’s body needs to get the systems to function properly, in a new way, to survive. Naturally, some babies might have some trouble in making this transition to the outside world. A preterm birth, difficult birth, or any birth defects can make it difficult for the baby to undergo these changes, which is why a lot of special care is available to help newborn babies with these changes.
What Is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)?
Newborns who might need intensive medical care are put in an area of the hospital which is called the neonatal intensive care unit or the NICU. The NICU is equipped with advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals who can provide special care for these newborn babies. Sometimes NICUs can also include care for babies who are not very sick and need specialized nursing care. While some hospitals don’t have the resources or staff for NICU, and the babies are required to be moved to another hospital, babies with intensive care needs do better if they are born in a Neonatal Care Hospital.
Which Babies Need Special Care?
Here are a few factors about the mother that can indicate that the baby might need special neonatal care:
If the mother is below the age of 16 or above the age of 40
If she continues drug or alcohol use during pregnancy
If there are multiple pregnancies, (such as twins or triplets)
If there are unusual amounts of amniotic fluid
If there is a premature rupture of membranes
The presence of the following factors during delivery means that neonatal care could be vital:
If there are changes in the newborn's organ systems owing to the lack of oxygen
If the baby is delivered buttocks-first, or in any other unconventional position
If the baby’s first stool is passed during pregnancy into the amniotic fluid
If the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck
If there was a forceps or caesarean delivery
The following factors in the new-born indicate that they’ll need special care:
If the baby is born at a gestational age of less than 37 weeks or more than 42 weeks
If the birth weight of the baby is less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams) or over 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams)
If the baby is too small for gestational age
If there was a use of medicine or resuscitation in the delivery room
If the baby has any birth defects
If the baby has any respiratory distress including rapid breathing, grunting, or stopping breathing, or infection such as herpes, group B streptococcus, chlamydia
If the baby has seizures
If the baby has low blood sugar
If there is a need for extra oxygen or monitoring, IV therapy, or medicines
If there is a need for special treatment or procedures such as a blood transfusion
Most babies admitted to the NICU are either born 37 weeks before pregnancy, have a low birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds, or have a health condition that needs special care. Twins, triplets, and other multiples are also often admitted to the NICU because they tend to be born earlier and smaller than single-birth babies. Therefore babies need neonatal care. For information about neonatal care, get in touch with a paediatrician today.
Does Your Baby Need Neonatal Care? this is a very crucial question nowadays.
As wonderful as it seems, giving birth can also be a complex process, since many physical and emotional changes are observed in both the mother and the baby. The baby must undergo several physical adjustments to life once it is outside the mother’s body. Once the baby is out of the womb, it cannot sustain their mother’s blood supply and placenta for their bodily functions.
When the baby is in the womb, they depend on their mother for all their bodily functions, including breathing, eating, elimination of waste, and immune protection. As soon as the baby leaves the womb, the organs must start functioning. For instance, the lungs must start respiration, the cardiac and pulmonary circulation must change, the digestive system must begin to process food and excrete waste, while the kidneys must begin working to balance fluids & chemicals in the body and excrete waste.
The newborn baby’s body needs to get the systems to function properly, in a new way, to survive. Naturally, some babies might have some trouble in making this transition to the outside world. A preterm birth, difficult birth, or any birth defects can make it difficult for the baby to undergo these changes, which is why a lot of special care is available to help newborn babies with these changes.
What Is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)?
Newborns who might need intensive medical care are put in an area of the hospital which is called the neonatal intensive care unit or the NICU. The NICU is equipped with advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals who can provide special care for these newborn babies. Sometimes NICUs can also include care for babies who are not very sick and need specialized nursing care. While some hospitals don’t have the resources or staff for NICU, and the babies are required to be moved to another hospital, babies with intensive care needs do better if they are born in a Neonatal Care Hospital.
Which Babies Need Special Care?
Here are a few factors about the mother that can indicate that the baby might need special neonatal care:
If the mother is below the age of 16 or above the age of 40
If she continues drug or alcohol use during pregnancy
If there are multiple pregnancies, (such as twins or triplets)
If there are unusual amounts of amniotic fluid
If there is a premature rupture of membranes
The presence of the following factors during delivery means that neonatal care could be vital:
If there are changes in the newborn's organ systems owing to the lack of oxygen
If the baby is delivered buttocks-first, or in any other unconventional position
If the baby’s first stool is passed during pregnancy into the amniotic fluid
If the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck
If there was a forceps or caesarean delivery
The following factors in the new-born indicate that they’ll need special care:
If the baby is born at a gestational age of less than 37 weeks or more than 42 weeks
If the birth weight of the baby is less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams) or over 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams)
If the baby is too small for gestational age
If there was a use of medicine or resuscitation in the delivery room
If the baby has any birth defects
If the baby has any respiratory distress including rapid breathing, grunting, or stopping breathing, or infection such as herpes, group B streptococcus, chlamydia
If the baby has seizures
If the baby has low blood sugar
If there is a need for extra oxygen or monitoring, IV therapy, or medicines
If there is a need for special treatment or procedures such as a blood transfusion
Most babies admitted to the NICU are either born 37 weeks before pregnancy, have a low birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds, or have a health condition that needs special care. Twins, triplets, and other multiples are also often admitted to the NICU because they tend to be born earlier and smaller than single-birth babies. Therefore babies need neonatal care. For information about neonatal care, get in touch with a paediatrician today.
Children are the future of the world and they are tender in their thoughts, knowledge and health. Every parent desires to guarantee a healthier environment and a better life for their child. However, when it comes to a child’s health, many factors come into play and can sometimes be a complex task. The presence of worms in the stomach or intestine is one problem that many children face during their growing stage.
As the World Health Organization (WHO) states, ‘Soil-borne helminth infections are one among the most common infections in humans, caused by a group of parasites, referred to as worms, including roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. These intestinal worms can seriously affect the nutrition and growth of the child. A child may undergo deworming regularly to remove the intestinal worms. Such worms need to be killed, otherwise, they can multiply and lay eggs in the intestine causing major damage to the body. Some of those intestinal parasites may even be fatal and should therefore not be overlooked. Worms also make the child more vulnerable to diseases such as intestinal obstruction and reduce the ability to sufficiently absorb vitamins. Parasitic worms also sometimes allow the child to become malnourished and/or stunted even without obvious symptoms.
Symptoms of worms in children:
The common symptoms a child is likely to experience if these worms affect him/her complains of a sore tummy, anaemia, diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea, fatigue and lethargy, constant coughing, frequent and painful urination, trouble sleeping due to irritating itchiness, rashes, itching in the anal region, being hungry all the time, bouts of hunger strike or loss of appetite (loss in weight) and rare occurrences of blood during diarrhoea or in the stool.
Importance of Deworming:
Deworming helps to remove worms and any infection that might disturb the patient and it is important for those infected by these worms. However, its effectiveness remains under review. Deworming is thought to improve the health of the child by enabling them to consume the necessary nutrients needed by the body, thereby helping the child to battle malnutrition and gain weight.
Treatment for worms in children:
Based on factors such as the child’s age, the type of worm that has infected the intestines, the infections caused by the worm etc, treatment is recommended. Being a short and quick treatment, the deworming tablets for children usually kill the parasites and cause no other harsh damage to your child’s body.
How do children get affected?
Intestinal worms or parasites are usually found among children exposed to the unclean environment, and mostly in direct contact with the soil. Soil is likely to be contaminated with worm eggs or larvae in areas that lack sanitation or are populated by animals. Children who play in these areas or those who roam barefoot are likely to be affected by these worms. Dirty hands, tools, toys or food are easy transmission instruments for these parasites, which can go from the contaminated soil to the mouth of the child and eventually inside the body and intestine.
Some tips to prevent worms in children include:
Maintain a clean surrounding
Inculcate clean habits in the child, whenever he/she comes from playing
Educate the child to not play barefoot in the grass, mud or outdoor areas
Assure that the child only uses clean and hygienic swimming pools
Avoid the infested fruit or vegetable. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before the child eats them
Do not let the child consume raw meats, or semi-cooked vegetables which could have worms in them
Unless it is safe, let the child have no water from public tanks. Try drinking boiled water
It is therefore important to manage a clean and healthy environment for children so that they can be rescued from these worms and are therefore not in need of deworming and can lead a healthier life.
Children are the future of the world and they are tender in their thoughts, knowledge and health. Every parent desires to guarantee a healthier environment and a better life for their child. However, when it comes to a child’s health, many factors come into play and can sometimes be a complex task. The presence of worms in the stomach or intestine is one problem that many children face during their growing stage.
As the World Health Organization (WHO) states, ‘Soil-borne helminth infections are one among the most common infections in humans, caused by a group of parasites, referred to as worms, including roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. These intestinal worms can seriously affect the nutrition and growth of the child. A child may undergo deworming regularly to remove the intestinal worms. Such worms need to be killed, otherwise, they can multiply and lay eggs in the intestine causing major damage to the body. Some of those intestinal parasites may even be fatal and should therefore not be overlooked. Worms also make the child more vulnerable to diseases such as intestinal obstruction and reduce the ability to sufficiently absorb vitamins. Parasitic worms also sometimes allow the child to become malnourished and/or stunted even without obvious symptoms.
Symptoms of worms in children:
The common symptoms a child is likely to experience if these worms affect him/her complains of a sore tummy, anaemia, diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea, fatigue and lethargy, constant coughing, frequent and painful urination, trouble sleeping due to irritating itchiness, rashes, itching in the anal region, being hungry all the time, bouts of hunger strike or loss of appetite (loss in weight) and rare occurrences of blood during diarrhoea or in the stool.
Importance of Deworming:
Deworming helps to remove worms and any infection that might disturb the patient and it is important for those infected by these worms. However, its effectiveness remains under review. Deworming is thought to improve the health of the child by enabling them to consume the necessary nutrients needed by the body, thereby helping the child to battle malnutrition and gain weight.
Treatment for worms in children:
Based on factors such as the child’s age, the type of worm that has infected the intestines, the infections caused by the worm etc, treatment is recommended. Being a short and quick treatment, the deworming tablets for children usually kill the parasites and cause no other harsh damage to your child’s body.
How do children get affected?
Intestinal worms or parasites are usually found among children exposed to the unclean environment, and mostly in direct contact with the soil. Soil is likely to be contaminated with worm eggs or larvae in areas that lack sanitation or are populated by animals. Children who play in these areas or those who roam barefoot are likely to be affected by these worms. Dirty hands, tools, toys or food are easy transmission instruments for these parasites, which can go from the contaminated soil to the mouth of the child and eventually inside the body and intestine.
Some tips to prevent worms in children include:
Maintain a clean surrounding
Inculcate clean habits in the child, whenever he/she comes from playing
Educate the child to not play barefoot in the grass, mud or outdoor areas
Assure that the child only uses clean and hygienic swimming pools
Avoid the infested fruit or vegetable. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before the child eats them
Do not let the child consume raw meats, or semi-cooked vegetables which could have worms in them
Unless it is safe, let the child have no water from public tanks. Try drinking boiled water
It is therefore important to manage a clean and healthy environment for children so that they can be rescued from these worms and are therefore not in need of deworming and can lead a healthier life.
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[blog_title] => Why you shouldn’t let anyone to kiss your new-born
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The first cry of a newborn brings so much joy and overwhelming happiness to families. It is heart-warming to just look at the baby, and even more delightful to carry that little infant in your arms.
This thrilling joy is not restricted to just the parents, but also to the immediate family members – assorted siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts and naturally, the overjoyed grandparents.
When they see the little one, no one can resist giving just one little tiny peck on the cheek, forehead or nose of this little bundle of cuteness. This is an expression of pure love. But, it is something that doctors and paediatricians worldwide clearly say NO to. Giving a child even a small little kiss on their face or even hands or feet is simply not advised.
Baby skin is very delicate and easily prone to rashes and infections. Their immune system has not yet evolved properly, and it is important to keep them protected in every way so that they don’t come in contact with any pathogens, bacteria or viruses. Washing and disinfecting our hands, arms and faces is always necessary before interacting with the child. Newborns are also quite vulnerable to HSV-1, better known as the Herpes Simplex Virus, which causes mouth sores in adults and can spread through physical contact. So, if unknowingly an adult carrier of the virus kisses the child, it may lead to several complications.
As parents and grandparents, you can be gentle but firm with all visitors, and make sure that they shower their love and blessings on the newborn, but don’t smother him/her in kisses.
A lot of young couples nowadays keep sanitisers for people to use before interacting with their baby. Some of them do not allow the child to be carried by anyone else, other than themselves or their parents. It is a matter of serious concern, and you have the right to request people to not do certain things. If, as a new parent, you feel awkward stopping anyone directly, you can always tell them that the doctors have asked visitors to not do so. Alternatively, ask your parents to explain this to the rest of the family and friends.
While being a parent and grandparent is truly the most enriching and fulfilling experience of your life, it comes with a whole new set of lessons and learning.
We at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital are here to help you with any concerns, queries or worries you might have. For any questions, please contact: 1860 500 4424.
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The first cry of a newborn brings so much joy and overwhelming happiness to families. It is heart-warming to just look at the baby, and even more delightful to carry that little infant in your arms.
This thrilling joy is not restricted to just the parents, but also to the immediate family members – assorted siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts and naturally, the overjoyed grandparents.
When they see the little one, no one can resist giving just one little tiny peck on the cheek, forehead or nose of this little bundle of cuteness. This is an expression of pure love. But, it is something that doctors and paediatricians worldwide clearly say NO to. Giving a child even a small little kiss on their face or even hands or feet is simply not advised.
Baby skin is very delicate and easily prone to rashes and infections. Their immune system has not yet evolved properly, and it is important to keep them protected in every way so that they don’t come in contact with any pathogens, bacteria or viruses. Washing and disinfecting our hands, arms and faces is always necessary before interacting with the child. Newborns are also quite vulnerable to HSV-1, better known as the Herpes Simplex Virus, which causes mouth sores in adults and can spread through physical contact. So, if unknowingly an adult carrier of the virus kisses the child, it may lead to several complications.
As parents and grandparents, you can be gentle but firm with all visitors, and make sure that they shower their love and blessings on the newborn, but don’t smother him/her in kisses.
A lot of young couples nowadays keep sanitisers for people to use before interacting with their baby. Some of them do not allow the child to be carried by anyone else, other than themselves or their parents. It is a matter of serious concern, and you have the right to request people to not do certain things. If, as a new parent, you feel awkward stopping anyone directly, you can always tell them that the doctors have asked visitors to not do so. Alternatively, ask your parents to explain this to the rest of the family and friends.
While being a parent and grandparent is truly the most enriching and fulfilling experience of your life, it comes with a whole new set of lessons and learning.
We at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital are here to help you with any concerns, queries or worries you might have. For any questions, please contact: 1860 500 4424.
Low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). Some babies with low birth weight are healthy, even though they’re small. However, being low in birth weight can cause serious health problems for some babies. A baby with low birth weight may have trouble eating, gaining weight, and fighting off infections. Some low birth weight babies may have long-term health problems, too.
When it comes to low birth weight in newborns, the primary causative factor is usually premature birth, which is before 37 weeks gestation. A baby that has been born early often gets less time in the mother’s uterus to grow and gain weight. Most of the foetus’s weight is gained during the latter part of the mother’s pregnancy. However, there can also be other factors that can lead to low birth weight in infants.
Let’s look at the top 5 factors that can, directly and indirectly, lead to low birth weight in newborns.
Multiple deliveries
If a mom is carrying twins, triplets, or more than three infants, the probability of the baby being underweight increases significantly. Multiple pregnancies can lead to excess stress on the uterus because the babies trying to share the available nutrition.
Foetal Infections
Some viral and parasitic infections can lead to foetal problems like slow growth or even birth defects. Following are some infections that one should be aware of:
Toxoplasmosis: Infection with this parasite during pregnancy is often associated with loss of hearing or sight and even brain defects.
Chickenpox: Being exposed to this virus during the first or second trimester is associated with suffering from congenital varicella syndrome, which can include scarring, limb malformation, growth problems, and mental disabilities.
Rubella: Also called German Measles, it can cause birth defects like heart problems, sight, hearing, and mental retardation.
Cytomegalovirus: This is a common herpes virus that is present in bodily fluids. It has been associated with disabilities like neural tube defects and Down syndrome.
Alcohol Consumption
Consuming alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous as they release chemicals into the placenta that can reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the body. This may lead to inhibition of growth among babies.
Pre-eclampsia
One significant cause of low birth weight is pre-eclampsia which brings with it high blood pressure and protein in the urine. This disease is dangerous because it is not very well understood by modern science. It mostly affects older moms, first-time moms and moms with multiple children. This disease cuts off nutrients to infants and causes deadly seizures among mothers. Immediate delivery is the only definite way to save both mom and baby. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include swelling in the hands, face or feet, blurred vision, face or feet, and abdominal pain.
Stress
Pregnancy is a sensitive time for both women and children. In pregnancy, women’s bodies pump 40-50% more blood than usual, with their hearts working 30-50% harder, making them feel tired and uncomfortable. Also, many pregnant women work for a living, some often putting in long work hours and standing for long durations. The toiling can add extra stress to pregnancy, interfering with foetal growth and full-term delivery. Other factors that can create stress during pregnancy are exposure to harmful chemicals or a lack of emotional support from family and friends.
Taking the right precautions during pregnancy is essential to ensure the good health of both the mother and the child during pregnancy. The above-stated reasons can be critical contributors towards low birth weight in newborns. Ensuring proper nutrition and the right care for both the mother and the child will help reduce the probability of the baby being underweight on delivery.
Low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). Some babies with low birth weight are healthy, even though they’re small. However, being low in birth weight can cause serious health problems for some babies. A baby with low birth weight may have trouble eating, gaining weight, and fighting off infections. Some low birth weight babies may have long-term health problems, too.
When it comes to low birth weight in newborns, the primary causative factor is usually premature birth, which is before 37 weeks gestation. A baby that has been born early often gets less time in the mother’s uterus to grow and gain weight. Most of the foetus’s weight is gained during the latter part of the mother’s pregnancy. However, there can also be other factors that can lead to low birth weight in infants.
Let’s look at the top 5 factors that can, directly and indirectly, lead to low birth weight in newborns.
Multiple deliveries
If a mom is carrying twins, triplets, or more than three infants, the probability of the baby being underweight increases significantly. Multiple pregnancies can lead to excess stress on the uterus because the babies trying to share the available nutrition.
Foetal Infections
Some viral and parasitic infections can lead to foetal problems like slow growth or even birth defects. Following are some infections that one should be aware of:
Toxoplasmosis: Infection with this parasite during pregnancy is often associated with loss of hearing or sight and even brain defects.
Chickenpox: Being exposed to this virus during the first or second trimester is associated with suffering from congenital varicella syndrome, which can include scarring, limb malformation, growth problems, and mental disabilities.
Rubella: Also called German Measles, it can cause birth defects like heart problems, sight, hearing, and mental retardation.
Cytomegalovirus: This is a common herpes virus that is present in bodily fluids. It has been associated with disabilities like neural tube defects and Down syndrome.
Alcohol Consumption
Consuming alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous as they release chemicals into the placenta that can reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the body. This may lead to inhibition of growth among babies.
Pre-eclampsia
One significant cause of low birth weight is pre-eclampsia which brings with it high blood pressure and protein in the urine. This disease is dangerous because it is not very well understood by modern science. It mostly affects older moms, first-time moms and moms with multiple children. This disease cuts off nutrients to infants and causes deadly seizures among mothers. Immediate delivery is the only definite way to save both mom and baby. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include swelling in the hands, face or feet, blurred vision, face or feet, and abdominal pain.
Stress
Pregnancy is a sensitive time for both women and children. In pregnancy, women’s bodies pump 40-50% more blood than usual, with their hearts working 30-50% harder, making them feel tired and uncomfortable. Also, many pregnant women work for a living, some often putting in long work hours and standing for long durations. The toiling can add extra stress to pregnancy, interfering with foetal growth and full-term delivery. Other factors that can create stress during pregnancy are exposure to harmful chemicals or a lack of emotional support from family and friends.
Taking the right precautions during pregnancy is essential to ensure the good health of both the mother and the child during pregnancy. The above-stated reasons can be critical contributors towards low birth weight in newborns. Ensuring proper nutrition and the right care for both the mother and the child will help reduce the probability of the baby being underweight on delivery.
No matter what one says or thinks, someone has got to cover this topic. With a lot of passion and a lot less yuck.
Baby poop usually comprises dejected broken-down food, undigested particles and other aliens that might have entered a baby’s gut somehow, bile, microbes like bacteria, etc. Bile is what impacts the faeces its characteristic colour.
Breastfed babies might have diverse poop colours and consistencies depending on what the mother has ingested. If she has taken a more fluid diet or ample water the previous day, her child will be passing out watery faeces. Thereby, the normalcy and abnormality of baby poop (which works much differently from Mama poop) depend on various factors.
If your newborn’s or infant’s poop matches any of the following descriptions, you need not worry.
Normal poop colour might range from anything like dirty green to chrome yellow or different shades of ochre or brown. It all depends on the diet. For instance, a formula-fed baby might have yellow ochre poop in the initial days.
The consistency of normal baby poop is just as varied. It might be thick or mushy and even watery. Too watery might be a warning sign but as long as things look fine otherwise, your baby can ‘keep calm and poop’.
The odour now! A slightly foul or sour odour is an ‘okay’ but stronger than that in the early days of infancy might indicate that the faeces have played with bacteria for a longer time in the gut.
Frequency of pooping isn’t much of a factor either, as long as the baby looks comfortable. Unless it’s less than one a week for breastfed babies, it might not be counted as constipation.
Now the red alerts, in case of baby poop:
If pooping is a painful process and your baby might be screaming or bleeding while doing it.
If the poop colour is white, meaning meagre or no secretion of bile and black, meaning RBCs digested from the gut.
If there is mucus or phlegm with the poop.
If your baby’s poop is changing form, including colour, consistency or duration after feeding him a certain food. This might indicate an intolerance.
No matter what one says or thinks, someone has got to cover this topic. With a lot of passion and a lot less yuck.
Baby poop usually comprises dejected broken-down food, undigested particles and other aliens that might have entered a baby’s gut somehow, bile, microbes like bacteria, etc. Bile is what impacts the faeces its characteristic colour.
Breastfed babies might have diverse poop colours and consistencies depending on what the mother has ingested. If she has taken a more fluid diet or ample water the previous day, her child will be passing out watery faeces. Thereby, the normalcy and abnormality of baby poop (which works much differently from Mama poop) depend on various factors.
If your newborn’s or infant’s poop matches any of the following descriptions, you need not worry.
Normal poop colour might range from anything like dirty green to chrome yellow or different shades of ochre or brown. It all depends on the diet. For instance, a formula-fed baby might have yellow ochre poop in the initial days.
The consistency of normal baby poop is just as varied. It might be thick or mushy and even watery. Too watery might be a warning sign but as long as things look fine otherwise, your baby can ‘keep calm and poop’.
The odour now! A slightly foul or sour odour is an ‘okay’ but stronger than that in the early days of infancy might indicate that the faeces have played with bacteria for a longer time in the gut.
Frequency of pooping isn’t much of a factor either, as long as the baby looks comfortable. Unless it’s less than one a week for breastfed babies, it might not be counted as constipation.
Now the red alerts, in case of baby poop:
If pooping is a painful process and your baby might be screaming or bleeding while doing it.
If the poop colour is white, meaning meagre or no secretion of bile and black, meaning RBCs digested from the gut.
If there is mucus or phlegm with the poop.
If your baby’s poop is changing form, including colour, consistency or duration after feeding him a certain food. This might indicate an intolerance.
Constipation, as such, refers to infrequent bowel movements. However, baby constipation is somewhat different from adults. How to know whether your baby is having constipation or not? If your child has gone without bowel movements for quite a few days and is then passing out hard poop, he or she might be having constipation. Constipation doesn’t simply depend on the duration between poops but also the consistency.
How to Prevent Baby Constipation?
There are a few natural or prescribed ways to prevent constipation.
Make your baby exercise a bit daily.
Massage his or her belly lightly.
If your baby is older than a month, make him or her drink a little prune juice along with breast milk or formula diet.
The next question buzzing on your mind must be ‘what if’. What if your baby is constipated? Do you need to rush to the Doctor at once with your baby’s empty diapers? Is baby constipation really serious?
The answer is no. Your infant is still a newly born flower slowly adjusting to the sunlight. He or she is getting used to new food items daily through the breast milk that he or she sucks. So, it’s normal for them to take a longer time in getting some extra foreign foods turned into poop.
What are the signs that your baby is constipated?
These are the red alerts that you should look out for when you suspect baby constipation.
When a baby is crying, screaming or showing other relevant signs of discomfort before or during pooping.
Dry, hard lumps of poop that are hard to pass out.
The foul smell of poop denotes the greater time the faeces spent in the gut.
Less than three bowel movements in 7 days.
Tough protruding belly.
Less than normal appetite.
Ways to Relieve Baby Constipation
There are a few tips that you can follow to relieve your baby from constipation. Some are:
Increase your baby’s daily dose of water consumption.
Give him or her a bath in lukewarm water.
Make him or her do the ‘bicycle legs’ exercise. This helps very often to ease baby constipation.
Also, feed him or her foods with a higher degree of roughage.
Constipation, as such, refers to infrequent bowel movements. However, baby constipation is somewhat different from adults. How to know whether your baby is having constipation or not? If your child has gone without bowel movements for quite a few days and is then passing out hard poop, he or she might be having constipation. Constipation doesn’t simply depend on the duration between poops but also the consistency.
How to Prevent Baby Constipation?
There are a few natural or prescribed ways to prevent constipation.
Make your baby exercise a bit daily.
Massage his or her belly lightly.
If your baby is older than a month, make him or her drink a little prune juice along with breast milk or formula diet.
The next question buzzing on your mind must be ‘what if’. What if your baby is constipated? Do you need to rush to the Doctor at once with your baby’s empty diapers? Is baby constipation really serious?
The answer is no. Your infant is still a newly born flower slowly adjusting to the sunlight. He or she is getting used to new food items daily through the breast milk that he or she sucks. So, it’s normal for them to take a longer time in getting some extra foreign foods turned into poop.
What are the signs that your baby is constipated?
These are the red alerts that you should look out for when you suspect baby constipation.
When a baby is crying, screaming or showing other relevant signs of discomfort before or during pooping.
Dry, hard lumps of poop that are hard to pass out.
The foul smell of poop denotes the greater time the faeces spent in the gut.
Less than three bowel movements in 7 days.
Tough protruding belly.
Less than normal appetite.
Ways to Relieve Baby Constipation
There are a few tips that you can follow to relieve your baby from constipation. Some are:
Increase your baby’s daily dose of water consumption.
Give him or her a bath in lukewarm water.
Make him or her do the ‘bicycle legs’ exercise. This helps very often to ease baby constipation.
Also, feed him or her foods with a higher degree of roughage.
Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic ailment of the skin characterised by itchy and dry skin surface. The term atopic refers to those diseases that are caused by allergic reactions, while dermatitis is a condition affecting the skin.
The most widely noticeable symptoms are itchy and red rashes, which are affected by internal and external factors that ultimately increase blood flow, causing inflammation and an urge to itch. It is hard to resist the urge to itch the affected area, and while it may provide relief at the moment, it can worsen the inflammation and lead to more severe skin infections. More specific symptoms differ with age.
In Infants
Newborn babies can experience rashes on the scalp or cheeks, and even bubbling and fluid leakage from the rash. The dry and itchy skin can cause difficulty in sleeping, and infants may develop infections from scratching.
In Children
Older children may notice rashes on their elbows, knees or both, and scaly patches on the edges of the rashes. Their skin may feel leathery and thick, and the rashes could even surface on their face and neck, especially around the eyes. The skin could also become lighter or darker in some spots.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that 90% of people who develop AD do so before the age of 5, and it is rare for someone to develop it in adulthood if they did not have it as a child. It has a strong genetic contribution, and a patient with atopic dermatitis will most likely have a family member with the same disease, asthma and allergies of some sort.
Doctors diagnose atopic dermatitis by enquiring about your child’s symptoms and medical history. While there is no specific test for diagnosing AD, doctors will order blood tests to check for levels of immunoglobulin (IgE), which is very high in children with AD. Other tests may be conducted on the skin to check for allergies or any other unknown conditions.
While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, the condition can be managed depending on the severity, by controlling the redness and swelling, adding moisture and preventing the spread of infections. Some measures for the same include avoiding irritants specified by the doctor, regular baths in lukewarm water, and use of good quality moisturisers. Other options include over-the-counter ointments or antibiotics, antihistamines and in some cases phototherapy.
Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic ailment of the skin characterised by itchy and dry skin surface. The term atopic refers to those diseases that are caused by allergic reactions, while dermatitis is a condition affecting the skin.
The most widely noticeable symptoms are itchy and red rashes, which are affected by internal and external factors that ultimately increase blood flow, causing inflammation and an urge to itch. It is hard to resist the urge to itch the affected area, and while it may provide relief at the moment, it can worsen the inflammation and lead to more severe skin infections. More specific symptoms differ with age.
In Infants
Newborn babies can experience rashes on the scalp or cheeks, and even bubbling and fluid leakage from the rash. The dry and itchy skin can cause difficulty in sleeping, and infants may develop infections from scratching.
In Children
Older children may notice rashes on their elbows, knees or both, and scaly patches on the edges of the rashes. Their skin may feel leathery and thick, and the rashes could even surface on their face and neck, especially around the eyes. The skin could also become lighter or darker in some spots.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that 90% of people who develop AD do so before the age of 5, and it is rare for someone to develop it in adulthood if they did not have it as a child. It has a strong genetic contribution, and a patient with atopic dermatitis will most likely have a family member with the same disease, asthma and allergies of some sort.
Doctors diagnose atopic dermatitis by enquiring about your child’s symptoms and medical history. While there is no specific test for diagnosing AD, doctors will order blood tests to check for levels of immunoglobulin (IgE), which is very high in children with AD. Other tests may be conducted on the skin to check for allergies or any other unknown conditions.
While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, the condition can be managed depending on the severity, by controlling the redness and swelling, adding moisture and preventing the spread of infections. Some measures for the same include avoiding irritants specified by the doctor, regular baths in lukewarm water, and use of good quality moisturisers. Other options include over-the-counter ointments or antibiotics, antihistamines and in some cases phototherapy.
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Someone wise once said that your sense organs are the windows and doors to life. True enough! Whenever they are in a blur and not functioning as efficiently as they should, life gets miserable. Just as if on cue, your nose, ears and throat are most easily affected by infections and external agents. In toddlers, the rate of infection in these sense organs is maximum because they are more vulnerable and prone to diseases due to underdeveloped immunity.
In this post, you will learn about some of the most common problems in the ear, nose and throat that might strike your toddler out of the blue and you are often left wondering about what precaution you did not take.
Common Problems that Might Hit the Ear
Glue ear: In this, the ears may fill up with a thick fluid usually following a middle ear infection. Usually, antibiotics are enough to clear the pus but in serious cases, your kid might need an operation. Exposure to this condition decreases as the child grows older.
Wax problems: In this condition, the toddler’s ears might fill up with earwax (cerumen). This wax is usually removed by the Doctor with the aid of a syringe.
Hearing loss: Relax! This isn’t as serious as it sounds. Temporary hearing loss may be triggered by a sudden infection in the middle ear that may or may not seek medical attention.
Common Problems that Might Hit the Nos
Sinusitis: This is a term that describes inflammation, swelling or infection of the sinuses. It may even take serious turns in which case there is accumulation of excess pus in the nasal chamber and demands medical attention.
Nasal allergies: Nasal allergies cause an exaggerated response of the immune system to certain foreign agents. Symptoms include rashes, itching, watery eyes, nasal obstruction, etc.
Sore throat: Easily the most common throat problem in toddlers. Symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, red and white patches on the throat, headaches and even fever.
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis: They cause inflammation in the throat. In pharyngitis, the throat is affected while in tonsillitis, the tonsils are affected. In case both are affected, it’s called pharyngotonsillitis.
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Someone wise once said that your sense organs are the windows and doors to life. True enough! Whenever they are in a blur and not functioning as efficiently as they should, life gets miserable. Just as if on cue, your nose, ears and throat are most easily affected by infections and external agents. In toddlers, the rate of infection in these sense organs is maximum because they are more vulnerable and prone to diseases due to underdeveloped immunity.
In this post, you will learn about some of the most common problems in the ear, nose and throat that might strike your toddler out of the blue and you are often left wondering about what precaution you did not take.
Common Problems that Might Hit the Ear
Glue ear: In this, the ears may fill up with a thick fluid usually following a middle ear infection. Usually, antibiotics are enough to clear the pus but in serious cases, your kid might need an operation. Exposure to this condition decreases as the child grows older.
Wax problems: In this condition, the toddler’s ears might fill up with earwax (cerumen). This wax is usually removed by the Doctor with the aid of a syringe.
Hearing loss: Relax! This isn’t as serious as it sounds. Temporary hearing loss may be triggered by a sudden infection in the middle ear that may or may not seek medical attention.
Common Problems that Might Hit the Nos
Sinusitis: This is a term that describes inflammation, swelling or infection of the sinuses. It may even take serious turns in which case there is accumulation of excess pus in the nasal chamber and demands medical attention.
Nasal allergies: Nasal allergies cause an exaggerated response of the immune system to certain foreign agents. Symptoms include rashes, itching, watery eyes, nasal obstruction, etc.
Sore throat: Easily the most common throat problem in toddlers. Symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, red and white patches on the throat, headaches and even fever.
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis: They cause inflammation in the throat. In pharyngitis, the throat is affected while in tonsillitis, the tonsils are affected. In case both are affected, it’s called pharyngotonsillitis.
Dr Gaurav Jawa, Consultant Neonatologist- Apollo Cradle Royale
This case describes a baby who was brought to Apollo Cradle Royale in the middle of the night with yellow discolouration of the body till soles and an outside Serum Bilirubin report of 38 mg/dl. The baby had decreased feeding and vomiting after a feed. The baby was showing signs of stage 1 Bilirubin encephalopathy, suggestive of bilirubin crossing over into the brain.
The baby was born to a G2 mother at 34 weeks gestation by normal vaginal delivery at a nursing home in Faridabad after an uneventful antenatal period. The baby had cried immediately after birth and was discharged after 1 day. Mother was O negative and baby was B positive.
On examination, the baby had a weak cry and poor reflexes with yellow discolouration to the soles, but other systemic examinations were normal. The baby was admitted to NICU and IV fluid and Double surface phototherapy were started after sending relevant investigations. Given the very high Serum Bilirubin (38 mg/dl) and clinical evaluation, the decision was taken to arrange for double volume exchange transfusion and a blood sample from the infant and mother was sent to the blood bank Double Volume exchange Transfusion was done under aseptic precaution through the umbilical vein and umbilical artery catheterization. Antibiotic cover was given and later stopped once the blood tests showed no signs of infection. A repeat serum bilirubin post-exchange after 6 hrs came down to 22.2 mg/dl, which came down further to 6.9 after 24 hrs. when the baby was taken off from phototherapy. Feeds were started through an orogastric tube initially I/V/O persistent vomiting which was gradually increased to full paladai and breast feed which the baby accepted well. The baby was discharged in a stable condition.
The blood bank's detailed report suggested an incompatibility of Anti D as well as Anti E antigens against red blood cells, which could explain aggravated jaundice levels. On follow-up examination now till 6 months ago, the baby was normal with no signs of neurological impairment.
Introduction
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) affects an estimated 3 in 100,000 to 80 in 100,000 patients annually with less than 10% requiring intrauterine transfusion.
Common causes of hemolytic disease of the newborn
Rh system antibodies( Anti D, Anti E)
ABO system antibodies
Kell system antibodies
HDN due to Rh isoimmunization, or blood group incompatibility, occurs when fetal red blood cells (RBCs), which possess an antigen that the mother lacks, cross the placenta into the maternal circulation, where they stimulate antibody production. The antibodies return to the fetal circulation and result in RBC destruction. Prolonged hemolysis leads to severe anaemia, which stimulates fetal erythropoiesis in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and extramedullary sites, such as the skin and placenta. Destruction of RBCs releases heme that is converted to unconjugated bilirubin.
HDN due to other antibodies
Clinically significant allo-antibodies other than anti-D such as anti-E, anti-K, and anti-c occur in 1:300 pregnancies and the risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by these antibodies is 1:500. HDFN caused by anti-E may be moderate or severe in its presentation and brings to attention the necessity of introducing antibody screening for pregnant women as part of the antenatal care to look for significant alloantibodies other than anti-D.
Clinical presentation of HDN varies from mild jaundice and anaemia to hydrops fetalis (with ascites, pleural and pericardial effusions). Risks during labour and delivery include asphyxia and splenic rupture.
Postnatal problems include:
Asphyxia
Pulmonary hypertension
Pallor (due to anaemia) Edema (hydrops, due to low serum albumin)
Respiratory distress
Coagulopathies (platelets & clotting factors)
Jaundice and Kernicterus (from hyperbilirubinemia)
Hemolytic disease of newborn if not treated timely can also lead to severe jaundice causing bilirubin encephalopathy
Bilirubin encephalopathy (BE), is a neurological condition that occurs when an infant has severe jaundice. In the early stage, it may cause symptoms like severe jaundice, poor sucking or feeding, lethargy (extreme sleepiness), and a lack of startle reflexes but later on, it causes hyperextended or arched back, shrill crying, seizures, muscle rigidity or arched back coma.
Prognosis
Overall survival is 85-90% but reduced for hydropic fetuses by 15%. Most survivors of all immunized gestation are intact neurologically.
Bilirubin encephalopathy (BE), is a neurological condition that occurs when an infant has severe jaundice.
Dr Gaurav Jawa, Consultant Neonatologist- Apollo Cradle Royale
This case describes a baby who was brought to Apollo Cradle Royale in the middle of the night with yellow discolouration of the body till soles and an outside Serum Bilirubin report of 38 mg/dl. The baby had decreased feeding and vomiting after a feed. The baby was showing signs of stage 1 Bilirubin encephalopathy, suggestive of bilirubin crossing over into the brain.
The baby was born to a G2 mother at 34 weeks gestation by normal vaginal delivery at a nursing home in Faridabad after an uneventful antenatal period. The baby had cried immediately after birth and was discharged after 1 day. Mother was O negative and baby was B positive.
On examination, the baby had a weak cry and poor reflexes with yellow discolouration to the soles, but other systemic examinations were normal. The baby was admitted to NICU and IV fluid and Double surface phototherapy were started after sending relevant investigations. Given the very high Serum Bilirubin (38 mg/dl) and clinical evaluation, the decision was taken to arrange for double volume exchange transfusion and a blood sample from the infant and mother was sent to the blood bank Double Volume exchange Transfusion was done under aseptic precaution through the umbilical vein and umbilical artery catheterization. Antibiotic cover was given and later stopped once the blood tests showed no signs of infection. A repeat serum bilirubin post-exchange after 6 hrs came down to 22.2 mg/dl, which came down further to 6.9 after 24 hrs. when the baby was taken off from phototherapy. Feeds were started through an orogastric tube initially I/V/O persistent vomiting which was gradually increased to full paladai and breast feed which the baby accepted well. The baby was discharged in a stable condition.
The blood bank's detailed report suggested an incompatibility of Anti D as well as Anti E antigens against red blood cells, which could explain aggravated jaundice levels. On follow-up examination now till 6 months ago, the baby was normal with no signs of neurological impairment.
Introduction
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) affects an estimated 3 in 100,000 to 80 in 100,000 patients annually with less than 10% requiring intrauterine transfusion.
Common causes of hemolytic disease of the newborn
Rh system antibodies( Anti D, Anti E)
ABO system antibodies
Kell system antibodies
HDN due to Rh isoimmunization, or blood group incompatibility, occurs when fetal red blood cells (RBCs), which possess an antigen that the mother lacks, cross the placenta into the maternal circulation, where they stimulate antibody production. The antibodies return to the fetal circulation and result in RBC destruction. Prolonged hemolysis leads to severe anaemia, which stimulates fetal erythropoiesis in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and extramedullary sites, such as the skin and placenta. Destruction of RBCs releases heme that is converted to unconjugated bilirubin.
HDN due to other antibodies
Clinically significant allo-antibodies other than anti-D such as anti-E, anti-K, and anti-c occur in 1:300 pregnancies and the risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by these antibodies is 1:500. HDFN caused by anti-E may be moderate or severe in its presentation and brings to attention the necessity of introducing antibody screening for pregnant women as part of the antenatal care to look for significant alloantibodies other than anti-D.
Clinical presentation of HDN varies from mild jaundice and anaemia to hydrops fetalis (with ascites, pleural and pericardial effusions). Risks during labour and delivery include asphyxia and splenic rupture.
Postnatal problems include:
Asphyxia
Pulmonary hypertension
Pallor (due to anaemia) Edema (hydrops, due to low serum albumin)
Respiratory distress
Coagulopathies (platelets & clotting factors)
Jaundice and Kernicterus (from hyperbilirubinemia)
Hemolytic disease of newborn if not treated timely can also lead to severe jaundice causing bilirubin encephalopathy
Bilirubin encephalopathy (BE), is a neurological condition that occurs when an infant has severe jaundice. In the early stage, it may cause symptoms like severe jaundice, poor sucking or feeding, lethargy (extreme sleepiness), and a lack of startle reflexes but later on, it causes hyperextended or arched back, shrill crying, seizures, muscle rigidity or arched back coma.
Prognosis
Overall survival is 85-90% but reduced for hydropic fetuses by 15%. Most survivors of all immunized gestation are intact neurologically.
Bilirubin encephalopathy (BE), is a neurological condition that occurs when an infant has severe jaundice.
One of the many subjects that worries new parents is whether their newborn infant is getting quality sleep. This not only refers to the duration of their sleep but also the frequency of their naps and the positions that they adopt while they nap. Speaking of sleep duration, here is a rough chart of how much your baby should be sleeping at different stages of infancy:
1 year – 2 years Total Sleep: 11-14 hours Night-time Sleep: 11 hours Naps: 2-3 hours (2 naps)
Conditioning a baby to self-soothe is very important because it helps them fall asleep on their own when they wake up abruptly in the middle of the night. The best way to do this is to put your baby down when he/she is drowsy but still awake. This will reduce their dependency on you when it comes to falling asleep. Also, avoid habituating the baby to being rocked or fed to sleep. This will only condition their mind to associate those actions with sleep and they will not be able to fall asleep if those actions are not repeated every time they are drowsy.
Changes in your baby’s activity as he/she grows up will most affect their sleep patterns too. For example, a baby that used to sleep through the night until a week ago might suddenly start waking up multiple times in the middle of the night. This is related to them beginning to turn over, crawl or walk. Just like how varying physical activity affects our sleep habits and patterns, a baby's physical activity has the same impact. Do not worry or panic during these changes, just stick to the routines that have worked for the baby and they will adapt. Infants are much stronger than most people think!
Keeping the infant safe during sleep is another major concern for new parents.
Follow these simple guidelines to ensure their safety during nap time:
Make sure that your baby sleeps on his / her back until the first birthday.
Use a firm sleeping surface.
Keep your baby’s sleep area in your room, or as close to you as possible for the first 6 months to a year.
Never lay your baby down on a sofa, couch or furniture that doesn’t have protective edges.
Soft objects such as pillows, rugs and linen could suffocate the infant when you aren’t paying attention. Keep such objects away from the sleeping area.
Swaddling should only be done when the baby is on its back and should never be too tight or too loose. When you feel that the baby has started trying to roll over, you should stop swaddling as it discourages the natural movements that the baby is trying to make.
Quality sleep and quality nutrition go hand-in-hand where a baby’s optimum development is concerned. To learn more about the right nutrition for your baby, read our blog on the subject.
One of the many subjects that worries new parents is whether their newborn infant is getting quality sleep. This not only refers to the duration of their sleep but also the frequency of their naps and the positions that they adopt while they nap. Speaking of sleep duration, here is a rough chart of how much your baby should be sleeping at different stages of infancy:
1 year – 2 years Total Sleep: 11-14 hours Night-time Sleep: 11 hours Naps: 2-3 hours (2 naps)
Conditioning a baby to self-soothe is very important because it helps them fall asleep on their own when they wake up abruptly in the middle of the night. The best way to do this is to put your baby down when he/she is drowsy but still awake. This will reduce their dependency on you when it comes to falling asleep. Also, avoid habituating the baby to being rocked or fed to sleep. This will only condition their mind to associate those actions with sleep and they will not be able to fall asleep if those actions are not repeated every time they are drowsy.
Changes in your baby’s activity as he/she grows up will most affect their sleep patterns too. For example, a baby that used to sleep through the night until a week ago might suddenly start waking up multiple times in the middle of the night. This is related to them beginning to turn over, crawl or walk. Just like how varying physical activity affects our sleep habits and patterns, a baby's physical activity has the same impact. Do not worry or panic during these changes, just stick to the routines that have worked for the baby and they will adapt. Infants are much stronger than most people think!
Keeping the infant safe during sleep is another major concern for new parents.
Follow these simple guidelines to ensure their safety during nap time:
Make sure that your baby sleeps on his / her back until the first birthday.
Use a firm sleeping surface.
Keep your baby’s sleep area in your room, or as close to you as possible for the first 6 months to a year.
Never lay your baby down on a sofa, couch or furniture that doesn’t have protective edges.
Soft objects such as pillows, rugs and linen could suffocate the infant when you aren’t paying attention. Keep such objects away from the sleeping area.
Swaddling should only be done when the baby is on its back and should never be too tight or too loose. When you feel that the baby has started trying to roll over, you should stop swaddling as it discourages the natural movements that the baby is trying to make.
Quality sleep and quality nutrition go hand-in-hand where a baby’s optimum development is concerned. To learn more about the right nutrition for your baby, read our blog on the subject.
One of the many subjects that worries new parents is whether their n...
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Conjunctivitis is referred to as inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside portion of the eyelids. When conjunctivitis occurs in infants within the first 28 days of life, it is called neonatal conjunctivitis.
Neonatal conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia. During vaginal delivery, gonococcal or chlamydial infections are transmitted from the mother to the child and infect the eyes.
Causes of neonatal conjunctivitis:
lack of hygiene in the hospital
lack of awareness among mothers and guardians
childbirth in household settings under non-aseptic conditions
Chemical irritants can also cause conjunctivitis
Symptoms of Neonatal conjunctivitis:
The common symptoms of neonatal conjunctivitis are:
discharge from the eye
redness of the eye
swelling of the eyelid
Sometimes fever might be present in some babies
Traces of blood can be observed along with watery discharge if the infection is viral.
Diagnosis of Neonatal Conjunctivitis:
An eye exam is performed for the detection of neonatal conjunctivitis. If the eye does not look normal the following tests should be performed:
Culture of the watery discharge from the eye to look for bacteria or viruses
Slit-lamp exam to look for damage to the surface of the eyeball
Management of Neonatal Conjunctivitis:
Gentle warm massage between the eye and nasal area is done to relieve a blocked tear duct. This is done before the start of antibiotics. Antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointment are prescribed for a week or until the culture report is clear. Saline eye drops are found to be beneficial for the removal of sticky yellow drainage.
Tips to prevent Neonatal Conjunctivitis:
The following tips can help prevent neonatal conjunctivitis:
Pregnant women with sexual diseases like chlamydia or gonococcal infections must be treated to minimize the risk of spreading disease during vaginal delivery
Use of eye drops into all infants’ eyes in the delivery room immediately after birth helps to prevent various infections
Pregnant women with active herpes sores at the time of delivery should undergo a C-section to prevent serious illness in the baby
It is important to get yourself treated for genital infection before or during pregnancy. Avoid getting pregnant if you or your partner has an uncured sexually transmitted disease
Maintain hygiene surrounding your baby to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis
Remember to apply eye drops prescribed to your child by the doctor
Conjunctivitis is referred to as inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside portion of the eyelids. When conjunctivitis occurs in infants within the first 28 days of life, it is called neonatal conjunctivitis.
Neonatal conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia. During vaginal delivery, gonococcal or chlamydial infections are transmitted from the mother to the child and infect the eyes.
Causes of neonatal conjunctivitis:
lack of hygiene in the hospital
lack of awareness among mothers and guardians
childbirth in household settings under non-aseptic conditions
Chemical irritants can also cause conjunctivitis
Symptoms of Neonatal conjunctivitis:
The common symptoms of neonatal conjunctivitis are:
discharge from the eye
redness of the eye
swelling of the eyelid
Sometimes fever might be present in some babies
Traces of blood can be observed along with watery discharge if the infection is viral.
Diagnosis of Neonatal Conjunctivitis:
An eye exam is performed for the detection of neonatal conjunctivitis. If the eye does not look normal the following tests should be performed:
Culture of the watery discharge from the eye to look for bacteria or viruses
Slit-lamp exam to look for damage to the surface of the eyeball
Management of Neonatal Conjunctivitis:
Gentle warm massage between the eye and nasal area is done to relieve a blocked tear duct. This is done before the start of antibiotics. Antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointment are prescribed for a week or until the culture report is clear. Saline eye drops are found to be beneficial for the removal of sticky yellow drainage.
Tips to prevent Neonatal Conjunctivitis:
The following tips can help prevent neonatal conjunctivitis:
Pregnant women with sexual diseases like chlamydia or gonococcal infections must be treated to minimize the risk of spreading disease during vaginal delivery
Use of eye drops into all infants’ eyes in the delivery room immediately after birth helps to prevent various infections
Pregnant women with active herpes sores at the time of delivery should undergo a C-section to prevent serious illness in the baby
It is important to get yourself treated for genital infection before or during pregnancy. Avoid getting pregnant if you or your partner has an uncured sexually transmitted disease
Maintain hygiene surrounding your baby to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis
Remember to apply eye drops prescribed to your child by the doctor
Conjunctivitis is referred to as inflammation of the conjunctiva whi...
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[blog_title] => Newborn Screening Test for Hearing Loss
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One or two babies in every 1000 babies have permanent hearing loss in either one or both ears. There are certain factors which increase the risk of hearing loss in newborns. The factors include:
Illness of mother during pregnancy
Family history of hearing loss
Exposed to certain drugs which affect hearing
The baby’s development is affected significantly due to permanent hearing loss. Early detection of hearing loss in a newborn can help these babies to develop language, speech and communication skills.
Hearing screening tests should be done in infants with the following conditions:
Low birth weight/premature birth / Lack of oxygen or breathing problems at birth
High bilirubin levels (Jaundice)
Syndromes correlated with hearing loss
Abnormal head or face structures
Long time in mechanical ventilation
Infections such as Cytomegalovirus, syphilis, herpes or toxoplasmosis.
There are two different methods to test hearing loss in infants, and they are the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) evaluations and the automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) measures.
AOAE Test: The duration of the test is just a few minutes. A small soft-tipped earpiece is kept in the baby’s ear, and gentle clicking sounds are played. The inner part of the ear gives a response after the ear receives sound. Then screening equipment picks up the sound. The first test may not be successful all the time. The test results mean:
the baby was unsettled during the test
background noise was present
Baby has fluid or a temporary blockage in their ear
AABR Test: Another hearing test, the AABR test is also conducted to detect hearing loss in newborns. Three small sensors are placed on the baby’s head and neck. Now soft headphones are kept over the baby’s ears, and gentle clicking sounds are played. The duration of this test is between 5 to 15 minutes.
These hearing tests are not harmful to newborn babies. AOAE and AABR tests are accurate, noninvasive, and automated and it is not necessary to receive any observable response from the infant during these tests. The AOAE test is easy and cost-effective compared to the ABAR test.
If a newborn fails in the initial hearing screen test, it does not mean that the baby has permanent hearing loss. The following reasons could be responsible for the failure of a hearing screening test:
Presence of fluid inside the baby’s ear canal
Presence of background noise
Movement of the infant
The result of the hearing test is given immediately after the test. These screening tests do not pick up all types of permanent hearing loss. Sometimes children develop permanent hearing loss later. Hence it is important to monitor child’s hearing once they grow up.
One or two babies in every 1000 babies have permanent hearing loss in either one or both ears. There are certain factors which increase the risk of hearing loss in newborns. The factors include:
Illness of mother during pregnancy
Family history of hearing loss
Exposed to certain drugs which affect hearing
The baby’s development is affected significantly due to permanent hearing loss. Early detection of hearing loss in a newborn can help these babies to develop language, speech and communication skills.
Hearing screening tests should be done in infants with the following conditions:
Low birth weight/premature birth / Lack of oxygen or breathing problems at birth
High bilirubin levels (Jaundice)
Syndromes correlated with hearing loss
Abnormal head or face structures
Long time in mechanical ventilation
Infections such as Cytomegalovirus, syphilis, herpes or toxoplasmosis.
There are two different methods to test hearing loss in infants, and they are the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) evaluations and the automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) measures.
AOAE Test: The duration of the test is just a few minutes. A small soft-tipped earpiece is kept in the baby’s ear, and gentle clicking sounds are played. The inner part of the ear gives a response after the ear receives sound. Then screening equipment picks up the sound. The first test may not be successful all the time. The test results mean:
the baby was unsettled during the test
background noise was present
Baby has fluid or a temporary blockage in their ear
AABR Test: Another hearing test, the AABR test is also conducted to detect hearing loss in newborns. Three small sensors are placed on the baby’s head and neck. Now soft headphones are kept over the baby’s ears, and gentle clicking sounds are played. The duration of this test is between 5 to 15 minutes.
These hearing tests are not harmful to newborn babies. AOAE and AABR tests are accurate, noninvasive, and automated and it is not necessary to receive any observable response from the infant during these tests. The AOAE test is easy and cost-effective compared to the ABAR test.
If a newborn fails in the initial hearing screen test, it does not mean that the baby has permanent hearing loss. The following reasons could be responsible for the failure of a hearing screening test:
Presence of fluid inside the baby’s ear canal
Presence of background noise
Movement of the infant
The result of the hearing test is given immediately after the test. These screening tests do not pick up all types of permanent hearing loss. Sometimes children develop permanent hearing loss later. Hence it is important to monitor child’s hearing once they grow up.
In this blog, you will learn more about the Newborn Jaundice Causes, Newborn Jaundice Symptoms, and Newborn Jaundice Treatment at Apollo Cradle.
What is Neonatal Jaundice?
Newborn jaundice, also commonly known as infant jaundice, is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the eyes and skin of a newborn baby. It happens because the baby’s blood contains a high level of a yellow-coloured pigment called bilirubin. This phenomenon is common in the case of preterm birth and also among breastfed babies as their liver is not fully developed to get rid of the excess bilirubin. However, in most cases, the condition passes on its own as the baby gradually starts to feed.
Following are the,
Causes of Newborn Jaundice:
An excess of bilirubin or hyperbilirubinemia: Excess of the yellow pigment called bilirubin is the primary cause of jaundice in your newborn baby. Bilirubin is responsible for the yellowish tinge typical of the condition. Normally, the liver of your baby eliminates bilirubin from the bloodstream and passes it on to the intestinal But due to the immaturity of his/her liver, your newborn can develop this condition.
Premature birth and deficiency of breast milk: This condition is also common for premature babies and babies born before a gestation period of 37 weeks. It is also observed that newborn babies who do not get sufficient breast milk or are finding it difficult to feed are prone to newborn jaundice.
Incompatible blood types of mother and baby: If the blood type of your newborn baby is not compatible with yours, it can increase the chance of newborn jaundice. Due to this incompatibility of blood types, your baby might develop a growth of antibodies that terminate red blood cells, thereby increasing the level of bilirubin.
Following are the,
Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice:
The symptoms of the condition may vary depending on the severity. In case the condition is mild, newborn jaundice may show the following symptoms in your baby:
Yellowing of the skin and sclera (white area of the eyes)
Persistent drowsiness
Development of itchy skin
Poor feeding pattern
Pale stools and dark-coloured urine
In case of severe infant jaundice, symptoms include:
Yellow tinge on the abdomen and limbs
Constant drowsiness
Lack of adequate weight gain
Yellowing of the eyes
Difficulty in feeding
The condition may last for nearly a month
Treatments for Newborn Jaundice:
Infant jaundice is a common condition among newborn babies and usually, goes away on its own after around two weeks. In most cases, it does not require treatment unless the condition lingers and worsens over time. Newborn Jaundice treatments are:
Phototherapy or light therapy: It is a technique which employs light rays. Your newborn baby is placed under a special light that influences his bilirubin molecules in a way so that they can be eliminated by excretion. Usually, the baby is placed naked with only protection for the eyes. The light does not cause any harm as a shield is used to block the damaging ultraviolet
Exchange blood transfusion: This should be only considered if phototherapy fails to work. In this procedure, blood is withdrawn from your baby to get rid of the bilirubin and then again injected back into the bloodstream. Your newborn baby is kept in intensive care during the process.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): This procedure is employed in case your and your newborn baby’s blood types are incompatible. Your infant is supplied with a transfusion of immunoglobulin, which helps combat antibodies transferred from you, i.e., the mother. Immunoglobulin is a protein that aids in reducing these antibodies, which attack the red blood cells of the newborn.
In case you notice any symptoms of newborn jaundice in your infant, seek professional help immediately as not doing so can often put your baby’s life at risk. Besides with timely and proper Newborn Jaundice treatment, your baby will be able to recover in no time.
In this blog, you will learn more about the Newborn Jaundice Causes, Newborn Jaundice Symptoms, and Newborn Jaundice Treatment at Apollo Cradle.
What is Neonatal Jaundice?
Newborn jaundice, also commonly known as infant jaundice, is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the eyes and skin of a newborn baby. It happens because the baby’s blood contains a high level of a yellow-coloured pigment called bilirubin. This phenomenon is common in the case of preterm birth and also among breastfed babies as their liver is not fully developed to get rid of the excess bilirubin. However, in most cases, the condition passes on its own as the baby gradually starts to feed.
Following are the,
Causes of Newborn Jaundice:
An excess of bilirubin or hyperbilirubinemia: Excess of the yellow pigment called bilirubin is the primary cause of jaundice in your newborn baby. Bilirubin is responsible for the yellowish tinge typical of the condition. Normally, the liver of your baby eliminates bilirubin from the bloodstream and passes it on to the intestinal But due to the immaturity of his/her liver, your newborn can develop this condition.
Premature birth and deficiency of breast milk: This condition is also common for premature babies and babies born before a gestation period of 37 weeks. It is also observed that newborn babies who do not get sufficient breast milk or are finding it difficult to feed are prone to newborn jaundice.
Incompatible blood types of mother and baby: If the blood type of your newborn baby is not compatible with yours, it can increase the chance of newborn jaundice. Due to this incompatibility of blood types, your baby might develop a growth of antibodies that terminate red blood cells, thereby increasing the level of bilirubin.
Following are the,
Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice:
The symptoms of the condition may vary depending on the severity. In case the condition is mild, newborn jaundice may show the following symptoms in your baby:
Yellowing of the skin and sclera (white area of the eyes)
Persistent drowsiness
Development of itchy skin
Poor feeding pattern
Pale stools and dark-coloured urine
In case of severe infant jaundice, symptoms include:
Yellow tinge on the abdomen and limbs
Constant drowsiness
Lack of adequate weight gain
Yellowing of the eyes
Difficulty in feeding
The condition may last for nearly a month
Treatments for Newborn Jaundice:
Infant jaundice is a common condition among newborn babies and usually, goes away on its own after around two weeks. In most cases, it does not require treatment unless the condition lingers and worsens over time. Newborn Jaundice treatments are:
Phototherapy or light therapy: It is a technique which employs light rays. Your newborn baby is placed under a special light that influences his bilirubin molecules in a way so that they can be eliminated by excretion. Usually, the baby is placed naked with only protection for the eyes. The light does not cause any harm as a shield is used to block the damaging ultraviolet
Exchange blood transfusion: This should be only considered if phototherapy fails to work. In this procedure, blood is withdrawn from your baby to get rid of the bilirubin and then again injected back into the bloodstream. Your newborn baby is kept in intensive care during the process.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): This procedure is employed in case your and your newborn baby’s blood types are incompatible. Your infant is supplied with a transfusion of immunoglobulin, which helps combat antibodies transferred from you, i.e., the mother. Immunoglobulin is a protein that aids in reducing these antibodies, which attack the red blood cells of the newborn.
In case you notice any symptoms of newborn jaundice in your infant, seek professional help immediately as not doing so can often put your baby’s life at risk. Besides with timely and proper Newborn Jaundice treatment, your baby will be able to recover in no time.
In this blog, you will learn more about the Newborn Jaundice Causes,...
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[blog_title] => The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) For Newborn Baby Care
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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – Pregnancy is an important phase in every woman’s life. During this period, your baby grows inside you and is completely dependent on your placenta for important functions like breathing, nourishment and elimination of waste. However, your newborn baby must adjust to the external environment once it comes into this world. Still, in certain cases, he/she is unable to adjust to the new environment and the changes it brings. This mostly happens when your baby is premature.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Most premature babies, i.e. those having low body weight or if born sick, must be kept in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) till they become strong. Again babies from IVF pregnancy are often born preterm and must be kept in the special care unit till they become mature. So also multiple pregnancies result in small-for-date babies that need the support of the NICU for a while. So, if your baby is sick or premature and has been referred to the NICU, you need not panic.
Almost 10 to 15% of the babies born every year are kept in the NICU. It is a special part of the hospital where a weak newborn baby is cared for by experts in the field. With technological advancement in neonatal care, there are special machines such as the incubator, warmer, ventilator, infusion pump and phototherapy, which are now being used to take care of premature babies.
The most common machine in every NICU is the incubator. An incubator is an enclosed machine in which your baby is provided with a warm, controlled and protected environment similar to your womb. A preterm baby is usually kept in an incubator until it is mature enough to survive in the normal environment.
Every NICU has a neonatologist who is responsible for the babies in this unit. Apart from him/her, several specially trained nurses keep a constant watch on every infant in the unit. As a mother, you are often allowed to help care for your young one.
Now some factors increase the chances of your newborn baby being born sick, weak or preterm because of which he/she must stay in the NICU for several days, weeks or months at a time.
3 Factors Why Your Baby May Be Admitted to NICU –
If You, the Mother, Suffer From Various Health Problems During Pregnancy
It has been seen that during pregnancy, if you have a risky lifestyle and have been involved in drug abuse or smoking, for instance, the chances of your baby being small for a date and being born prematurely increase. Again, in cases of pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes, the chances are higher that your newborn baby may have some problems requiring support in the NICU.
Even though IVF pregnancy is now a household term and the most common infertility treatment, babies born through this method can require the care of a NICU. Studies have shown that babies born from IVF pregnancy are more likely to need intensive medical attention than those conceived normally.
If Your Delivery Was Not Normal and Was Complicated
If your umbilical cord is wound up around your baby’s neck during birth, if there’s fetal distress your baby may need intensive care under expert supervision to adjust to the outside world. If your baby has aspirated during delivery, he/she would need to be supported for a while to breathe normally.
If Your Baby Is Weak and Has Low Body Weight
Most preterm babies, i.e. those born before 37 weeks, need to be kept in the NICU for a few days or weeks. Again if your baby is born weak or has low body weight at birth, he will be kept under observation in this unit. In many cases, your newborn often develops apnea and breathing difficulty. Babies who have birth defects many of which require surgery in the newborn period would need to be kept in the NICU for further tests, evaluation, observation, and treatment.
In case your baby requires the services of a NICU, it becomes imperative for you to seek professional help to choose the best neonatal care centre for your baby. Doing so can ensure your baby remains healthy and grows normally, without any birth defects.
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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – Pregnancy is an important phase in every woman’s life. During this period, your baby grows inside you and is completely dependent on your placenta for important functions like breathing, nourishment and elimination of waste. However, your newborn baby must adjust to the external environment once it comes into this world. Still, in certain cases, he/she is unable to adjust to the new environment and the changes it brings. This mostly happens when your baby is premature.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Most premature babies, i.e. those having low body weight or if born sick, must be kept in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) till they become strong. Again babies from IVF pregnancy are often born preterm and must be kept in the special care unit till they become mature. So also multiple pregnancies result in small-for-date babies that need the support of the NICU for a while. So, if your baby is sick or premature and has been referred to the NICU, you need not panic.
Almost 10 to 15% of the babies born every year are kept in the NICU. It is a special part of the hospital where a weak newborn baby is cared for by experts in the field. With technological advancement in neonatal care, there are special machines such as the incubator, warmer, ventilator, infusion pump and phototherapy, which are now being used to take care of premature babies.
The most common machine in every NICU is the incubator. An incubator is an enclosed machine in which your baby is provided with a warm, controlled and protected environment similar to your womb. A preterm baby is usually kept in an incubator until it is mature enough to survive in the normal environment.
Every NICU has a neonatologist who is responsible for the babies in this unit. Apart from him/her, several specially trained nurses keep a constant watch on every infant in the unit. As a mother, you are often allowed to help care for your young one.
Now some factors increase the chances of your newborn baby being born sick, weak or preterm because of which he/she must stay in the NICU for several days, weeks or months at a time.
3 Factors Why Your Baby May Be Admitted to NICU –
If You, the Mother, Suffer From Various Health Problems During Pregnancy
It has been seen that during pregnancy, if you have a risky lifestyle and have been involved in drug abuse or smoking, for instance, the chances of your baby being small for a date and being born prematurely increase. Again, in cases of pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes, the chances are higher that your newborn baby may have some problems requiring support in the NICU.
Even though IVF pregnancy is now a household term and the most common infertility treatment, babies born through this method can require the care of a NICU. Studies have shown that babies born from IVF pregnancy are more likely to need intensive medical attention than those conceived normally.
If Your Delivery Was Not Normal and Was Complicated
If your umbilical cord is wound up around your baby’s neck during birth, if there’s fetal distress your baby may need intensive care under expert supervision to adjust to the outside world. If your baby has aspirated during delivery, he/she would need to be supported for a while to breathe normally.
If Your Baby Is Weak and Has Low Body Weight
Most preterm babies, i.e. those born before 37 weeks, need to be kept in the NICU for a few days or weeks. Again if your baby is born weak or has low body weight at birth, he will be kept under observation in this unit. In many cases, your newborn often develops apnea and breathing difficulty. Babies who have birth defects many of which require surgery in the newborn period would need to be kept in the NICU for further tests, evaluation, observation, and treatment.
In case your baby requires the services of a NICU, it becomes imperative for you to seek professional help to choose the best neonatal care centre for your baby. Doing so can ensure your baby remains healthy and grows normally, without any birth defects.
https://www.apollocradle.com/specialities/neonatology/newborn-screening/Birth defects are developmental problems which your baby can develop while he’s still in your womb. The problem can be in your baby’s organs or his body parts and could vary in severity from minor defects that do not require any medical attention to complicated ones that can cause life-threatening complications. Therefore, newborn babies with major birth defects need prolonged care and treatment.
The following are the symptoms and treatment for three common birth defects:
Congenital Heart Defects
A congenital heart defect is an anatomical abnormality which affects between 4 and 10 babies out of 1000 live births. Congenital is a term to indicate that the condition is present at birth.
Certain conditions can increase the risk of the newborn baby having a congenital heart defect. These are if the baby has Down Syndrome, if the mother has infections like rubella during pregnancy if the mother has diabetes during pregnancy and other chromosomal defects in the baby.
Most conditions can be picked up on ultrasound during pregnancy but not all.
The symptoms of congenital heart defects in your baby:
Persistently rapid heartbeat
Difficulty in drawing breaths
Poor feeding and breathlessness during feeds, consequently leading to poor weight gain
Excessive sweating
Tiredness
Bluish or pale grey skin tone
Mild defects, such as holes in the heart, often don’t need to be treated. They may improve on their own and may not cause any further problems.
Surgery or other interventional procedures for your newborn baby are required if the defect is large and causing severe symptoms. Surgical techniques are usually successful depending upon the defect and about 80% of children with congenital heart disease will survive into adulthood.
Cleft Lip or Palate
Another anatomical birth defect which can affect your newborn is cleft lip or palate. There is a gap in the lip or roof of the mouth that is present at birth because developmentally it did not join together.
The cleft may affect one or both sides of the lip or palate and may be limited to the lip or extend up to the nose.
A cleft lip or palate may affect your newborn baby in the following ways:
Feeding may be difficult as they cannot close around the nipple
They are more vulnerable to ear infections
As they grow, their teeth don’t develop normally
If uncorrected, a cleft lip or palate may cause speech defects
The exact reason why it occurs is unclear though it is known to be associated with smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, a lack of folic acid during pregnancy, and taking certain medications during pregnancy such as steroid and anti-seizure medications.
A cleft lip or palate can be surgically corrected when your baby is three months old. However, surgical repair of a cleft palate which involves the restoration of the gap between your baby’s mouth and his nose is feasible only after six months of his birth. Sometimes, follow-up care after treatment is recommended for faster healing. Surgical correction of your baby’s cleft lip might leave a mild scar although the symptoms are successfully eliminated.
Clubfoot
Clubfoot is another birth defect which is fairly common and is usually an isolated defect in an otherwise healthy baby. Clubfoot describes foot abnormalities usually present at birth in which your baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position.
Clubfoot can be mild or severe. About half of children with clubfoot have it on both feet.
Doctors think that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to this developmental condition in your baby.
Treatment For Birth Defects
Your newborn baby’s bones, joints and tendons are very flexible so treatment for clubfoot usually begins soon after birth. Treatment options include stretching and casting the foot into a correct position regularly for several months. Once in a proper position, your child will have to use braces and special shoes for as long as needed.
If the clubfoot is severe or doesn’t respond to the stretching, surgery may be needed. The surgeon will lengthen tendons to help ease the foot into a better position.
Birth defects are of several types and may vary in severity. Sometimes they occur due to environmental and genetic factors that affect your baby’s fetal development. However, medical science is evolving with new and advanced treatments to correct birth impairments so that your baby can lead a normal and healthy life.
https://www.apollocradle.com/specialities/neonatology/newborn-screening/Birth defects are developmental problems which your baby can develop while he’s still in your womb. The problem can be in your baby’s organs or his body parts and could vary in severity from minor defects that do not require any medical attention to complicated ones that can cause life-threatening complications. Therefore, newborn babies with major birth defects need prolonged care and treatment.
The following are the symptoms and treatment for three common birth defects:
Congenital Heart Defects
A congenital heart defect is an anatomical abnormality which affects between 4 and 10 babies out of 1000 live births. Congenital is a term to indicate that the condition is present at birth.
Certain conditions can increase the risk of the newborn baby having a congenital heart defect. These are if the baby has Down Syndrome, if the mother has infections like rubella during pregnancy if the mother has diabetes during pregnancy and other chromosomal defects in the baby.
Most conditions can be picked up on ultrasound during pregnancy but not all.
The symptoms of congenital heart defects in your baby:
Persistently rapid heartbeat
Difficulty in drawing breaths
Poor feeding and breathlessness during feeds, consequently leading to poor weight gain
Excessive sweating
Tiredness
Bluish or pale grey skin tone
Mild defects, such as holes in the heart, often don’t need to be treated. They may improve on their own and may not cause any further problems.
Surgery or other interventional procedures for your newborn baby are required if the defect is large and causing severe symptoms. Surgical techniques are usually successful depending upon the defect and about 80% of children with congenital heart disease will survive into adulthood.
Cleft Lip or Palate
Another anatomical birth defect which can affect your newborn is cleft lip or palate. There is a gap in the lip or roof of the mouth that is present at birth because developmentally it did not join together.
The cleft may affect one or both sides of the lip or palate and may be limited to the lip or extend up to the nose.
A cleft lip or palate may affect your newborn baby in the following ways:
Feeding may be difficult as they cannot close around the nipple
They are more vulnerable to ear infections
As they grow, their teeth don’t develop normally
If uncorrected, a cleft lip or palate may cause speech defects
The exact reason why it occurs is unclear though it is known to be associated with smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, a lack of folic acid during pregnancy, and taking certain medications during pregnancy such as steroid and anti-seizure medications.
A cleft lip or palate can be surgically corrected when your baby is three months old. However, surgical repair of a cleft palate which involves the restoration of the gap between your baby’s mouth and his nose is feasible only after six months of his birth. Sometimes, follow-up care after treatment is recommended for faster healing. Surgical correction of your baby’s cleft lip might leave a mild scar although the symptoms are successfully eliminated.
Clubfoot
Clubfoot is another birth defect which is fairly common and is usually an isolated defect in an otherwise healthy baby. Clubfoot describes foot abnormalities usually present at birth in which your baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position.
Clubfoot can be mild or severe. About half of children with clubfoot have it on both feet.
Doctors think that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to this developmental condition in your baby.
Treatment For Birth Defects
Your newborn baby’s bones, joints and tendons are very flexible so treatment for clubfoot usually begins soon after birth. Treatment options include stretching and casting the foot into a correct position regularly for several months. Once in a proper position, your child will have to use braces and special shoes for as long as needed.
If the clubfoot is severe or doesn’t respond to the stretching, surgery may be needed. The surgeon will lengthen tendons to help ease the foot into a better position.
Birth defects are of several types and may vary in severity. Sometimes they occur due to environmental and genetic factors that affect your baby’s fetal development. However, medical science is evolving with new and advanced treatments to correct birth impairments so that your baby can lead a normal and healthy life.
Newborn screening tests look for developmental, genetic, and metabolic disorders in the newborn baby. Most of these illnesses are very rare, but can be treated if caught early.
Metabolic disorders (also called “inborn errors of metabolism”) interfere with how the body uses nutrients to maintain normal metabolism. Other disorders that screening can detect, include problems with hormones or the blood. In general, these disorders can interfere with the child’s normal physical and mental development in a variety of ways. Parents may pass along the gene for a certain disorder and they may not know that they are carriers for it.
Although these conditions are considered rare and most babies are tested normal, early diagnosis and proper treatment can make the difference between healthy development and lifelong impairment.
What are screening tests?
Screening tests do not diagnose illnesses. They merely indicate which babies need more testing to confirm or rule out illnesses. In case follow-up testing confirms that the child has a disease, then treatment can be started even before symptoms appear.
The types of newborn screening tests that are done vary, but there are tests that are recommended be done for all newborns.
Some of the disorders for which screening tests are done include:
* Sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathy disorders and traits
* Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Screenings are done using the following methods:
* Blood tests: A few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heel. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis.
* Hearing test: Kids develop critical speaking and language skills in their first few years. A hearing loss that is caught early can be treated to help prevent interference with that development.
The tests are done when the baby is between 24 hours and 7 days old. They are usually done before the baby goes home from the hospital.
An abnormal result means that the child should have additional testing to confirm or rule out the condition. If testing confirms that your child does have a disorder, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment. It is important to remember that dietary restrictions and supplements, along with proper medical supervision, can often prevent most of the serious physical and mental problems that were associated with metabolic disorders in the past.
You may be concerned about passing on the disorder to any future children. You should discuss this with your doctor and a genetic counselor.
Newborn screening tests look for developmental, genetic, and metabolic disorders in the newborn baby. Most of these illnesses are very rare, but can be treated if caught early.
Metabolic disorders (also called “inborn errors of metabolism”) interfere with how the body uses nutrients to maintain normal metabolism. Other disorders that screening can detect, include problems with hormones or the blood. In general, these disorders can interfere with the child’s normal physical and mental development in a variety of ways. Parents may pass along the gene for a certain disorder and they may not know that they are carriers for it.
Although these conditions are considered rare and most babies are tested normal, early diagnosis and proper treatment can make the difference between healthy development and lifelong impairment.
What are screening tests?
Screening tests do not diagnose illnesses. They merely indicate which babies need more testing to confirm or rule out illnesses. In case follow-up testing confirms that the child has a disease, then treatment can be started even before symptoms appear.
The types of newborn screening tests that are done vary, but there are tests that are recommended be done for all newborns.
Some of the disorders for which screening tests are done include:
* Sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathy disorders and traits
* Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Screenings are done using the following methods:
* Blood tests: A few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heel. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis.
* Hearing test: Kids develop critical speaking and language skills in their first few years. A hearing loss that is caught early can be treated to help prevent interference with that development.
The tests are done when the baby is between 24 hours and 7 days old. They are usually done before the baby goes home from the hospital.
An abnormal result means that the child should have additional testing to confirm or rule out the condition. If testing confirms that your child does have a disorder, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment. It is important to remember that dietary restrictions and supplements, along with proper medical supervision, can often prevent most of the serious physical and mental problems that were associated with metabolic disorders in the past.
You may be concerned about passing on the disorder to any future children. You should discuss this with your doctor and a genetic counselor.
