Symptoms and Causes of Jaundice in Newborns

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Infants jaundice is yellowing of their skin and eyes. You may feel yellowish color or paleness in their little nails too. It is common and very normal in new born babies. Jaundice can take place when new born babies have increased level of bilirubin, which is a yellow pigment generated in between the process of regular breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs).

New born jaundice is a common disorder specifically in the babies before the completion of 9 months or before 38 weeks’ pregnancy (premature babies) and also some breast-fed babies. It commonly occurs when the infant’s liver is not developed enough to clear out the bilirubin from the blood. If the baby’s jaundice stays for more than two weeks then doctors may perform some other blood and urine tests to track the underlying conditions.

In some cases untreated jaundice may lead to brain damage and can be fatal.

Causes of Infant Jaundice:

Excess bilirubin is the key cause of infant jaundice which is also known as hyperbilirubinemia which is the production house of yellow pigmentation of jaundice released from the breakage of used red blood cells.

There are some other causes of infant jaundice. They are listed below.

  • Premature babies ( born before the completion of 9 months)
  • Different blood types, which means the blood type of baby is not compatible with the blood type of mother.

Incompatible blood types of the mother and the baby can develop an accumulation of antibodies that can kill their red blood cells which can create an immediate rise in bilirubin level.

  • Internal bleeding
  • Sepsis (an infection in the blood of the baby)
  • Viral or bacterial infections
  • Liver malfunctioning
  • Baby’s bile ducts (ducts connected to liver) are blocked, known as biliary atresia.
  •  Enzyme deficiency
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • bleeding underneath the scalp
  • Underactive thyroid gland
  • Hepatitis
  • Low oxygen level, known as hypoxia

Infants jaundice from breast feeding is common. It takes place in the new born babies which are breast-fed in two different forms.

  1. Breast-Feeding Jaundice: It occurs in the first week of baby’s life. It happens if the baby is not feeding rightly or the mother’s milk is slow in flow.
  2. Breast Milk Jaundice: This takes place because of the substances in the breast milk interfering with the breakage process of bilirubin. It takes place after a week of life. Occurs at peak at 2 to 3 weeks.

Symptoms of Infant jaundice:

The most noticeable sign of new born jaundice is pale skin and eyes. This initially take place in head and then extends to chest, stomach, arms and legs. These are some symptoms of jaundice in babies.

  • Drowsiness
  • Pale color of stool
  • Bad sucking or feeding
  • Dark colored urine ( a newborn’s urine should be colorless)

Severe infant jaundice symptoms may include:

  • Yellow abdomen, lower body or limbs
  • Be sleepy
  • Not gaining weight
  • Poor feeding
  • Irritability in behavior

In new born babies jaundice may stay for more than 2 weeks. It is more common in boys than girls. It also goes away on its time but if you feel the necessity of treatment call on your doctor or health care provider.

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Reasons of Hypoglycemia in New Born

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What is Neonatal Hypoglycemia?

When the blood glucose levels in new born babies get too low, the medical condition is termed as hypoglycemia. The sugar levels aka glucose levels decide if the rest of the organs of the body will function or not. In humans, glucose is the fuel that our cells need especially in brain. In a neonatal, there are several reasons why hypoglycemia may occur. Hypoglycemia results in problems including a blue tinge to the skin, breathing problem, shaking and trouble in feeding.

What Are Some Commonly Known Causes Of Hypoglycemia?

There could be a single major cause or multiple causes creating this condition in a new born baby. Here some that you should know at all times:

  • A malnutrition mother or a poorly fed mother during gestation
  • When mother has poorly controlled sugar levels, chances are the child will also have the same condition
  • Severe Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (when the blood types of mother and baby do not match)
  • In cases of tumor of pancreas in the baby, the insulin level in baby’s blood are high
  • Certain birth defects also cause hypoglycemia
  • Certain hormone deficiencies or a congenital disease could be a cause and they are known to run in the families
  • Birth Asphyxia – when the baby is deprived of oxygen or oxygen levels are drastically low at birth
  • Liver diseases are one of the major cause of hypoglycemia
  • If the mother took sulfonylurea medicines during gestation, it could cause sepsis or other similar infections leading to infections in the new born baby.

Common Risk Factors

Babies who have a higher chance to develop this condition might have the following risk factors:

  • Mother has diabetes already
  • Growth retardation or small for the actual gestational age
  • Babies born with low birth weights especially preterm babies
  • Babies born under high levels of stress are more susceptible to hypoglycemia
  • Mother treated with terbutaline give birth to babies with a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia
  • Babies are large for the said gestational age

Some of the Symptoms of Neonatal Hypoglycemia

  • Cyanoses or pallor – blue tinge to the skin and lips
  • Apnea (breathing stops) or fast breathing
  • Hypothermia (low body temperature)
  • Poor muscle tone aka floppy muscles
  • No appetite
  • Lethargic with drastically reduced movement
  • Decrease in energy levels 
  • Shakiness and seizures
  • High pitched cry or wailing

How Is This Condition Diagnosed At First?

A simple glucose level test will give out results and show if there is any fluctuation in the levels.

What Are The Common Treatment Methods For Hypoglycemia?

The treatment plan is devised by comparing the development of the baby with gestational age and baby’s overall condition. Treatment could include giving the baby a fast-acting glucose source to reach normal levels quickly. It could be done by mixing glucose and water and feeding it as an early feeding; it is a simple formula that goes a long way. If hypoglycemia is severe or the baby’s health is not up to the mark, intravenous interventions are done. Glucose is given with the help of IV line. The blood sugar levels are checked a couple of times after the treatment to keep an eye out for further fluctuations.

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Baby Care Guide: What do you need to know?

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When your baby arrives in this world and you hear the first cry, this is the moment when your heart just filled with never-ending love, happiness and you want to scream with all the air in your lungs. These moments are precious and from that moment you start to plan the comfort zone for your little one. In the starting days, even in the hospital you are just thinking about how to shelter and raise your children with all you have or not.

This is the dilemma of the new parents. It is quite difficult for the parents to take care of their newborn the best way. From feeding the child, burping and changing clothes seems challenging as you need to be really careful. But when few days pass, you simply become pro in nursing your child and you find it less challenging, a fun thing and most importantly the very dear responsibility. You are already taking care of your child, but here are few tips that help you make things possible easily and without missing any single thing.

Umbilical Cord Carefulness

Umbilical cord is the organ that connects the baby with mother during the pregnancy, which plays the remarkable part in the nourishment. After birth, the cord’s stump remains outside the womb which eventually dries and fall off. This procedure takes almost one to three weeks, and during this time period parents are advised to take proper care of it. Every time you change pamper make sure it is not tucked inside, clean the area gently, and let it dry itself.

Feeding the Newborns

In the beginning, it is really difficult to identify when your baby is hungry. Mostly the newborn babies need feed after 2 to 3 hours, which makes 8 to 12 times in a day. Breastfeed is advantageous and way better than the top feed. Mothers are recommended to avoid formula milk. Breast milk is good for the babies as it controls the digestive system and effectively maintains the immune system.

Excessive Crying (Colic)

Usually new parents get worried when their babies won’t stop crying. But excessive crying which is also known as colic is common in infants. It occurs after third or sixth week of birth. The crying episode ends when the baby becomes three to four months old. The crying of the babies is like they are having some serious pain or they are screaming with pain. There is nothing to get worry about, but make sure the baby’s stomach is not upset, not having gastric issues and he/she is not hungry.

Calm your Fussy Baby

When your baby cries of colic or any other reason, they become fussy and anxious. You need to calm them by the following techniques;

  • Swaddle them with a comfortable cloth or blanket.
  • Hold them tight and make them feel the fragrance of mother.
  • Turn their body to the left side and hold them in your arms.
  • Make the soothing and calming sound.
  • Do not overfeed them in order to keep them busy and make them stop crying.
  • Walk with your baby slowly and rock them.

Baby Bathing

Doctors usually recommend not to give frequent bath to the newborns. However, bathing is the precious time for the parents which creates a magical bond. You enjoy seeing your baby feeling the sensation of warm water. It is the nerve-wracking part for the parents which brings anxiety as your little baby requires careful handling.

Bath on the daily basis is not for the newborns as you need to monitor the body temperature and outside temperature as well. When you are bathing your baby make sure you are using warm water, give bath after 5 to 6 days to infants. Instead, clean them with warm towel if you think he/she needs to be clean.

Newborn’s Bedtime Routine

Newborns do not have any specific bedtime schedule, especially when they are in their first month, they sleep for the whole day. The more they sleep the more they will be healthy. It is hard to make any particular schedule for the babies of 1 month. However, when you baby become 2 months old, you can easily predict the internal clock, and here you can induce the basic sleeping schedule. When your baby reaches to its 3 to 6 months, you will observe that the wake-up time, sleeping schedule and nap time all sets on the same time every day.

Keep your Partner Involve

Taking care of the baby is not the responsibility of the mother only, fathers should stay up whenever your baby’s alarm sounds. Share the mental burden and learn how to fulfill the needs of the baby when it thrives. Usually the new dads hang back in supporting mothers and getting involve in the baby chores. There must be fear of something getting wrong or sloppiness. However, mothers should teach their husbands without criticizing and making fun of them. Avoid doing so, as it’s all your word which is going to be divided or you might get some me time!!!

Taking Care of Skin, Nails and Scalp

The skin of your baby is very soft and sensitive, so try to use a baby lotion to avoid the roughness, cracking and pealing. It is advised to use skin hydrated lotions which build a barriers between the skin and infections.

Trimming the nails is a really difficult task, the fingers and the nails are tiniest but they need to be trimmed. It is safer for the babies, as usually the little ones who don’t know how to control their hands scratch themselves. There are baby nail cutters available on every baby shop buy them as the adult cutters may hurt them.

There is a soft spot in the middle of the head of the newborns which occurs because of the half-finished fusion of the skull bones. The skin of the head is too sensitive and vulnerable of harsh handling and could be injured easily. Both the care takers and parents are advised to be wary of the fontanelles. Do not scrub the scalp with force while shampooing or oiling the head.

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What are the Signs of Distress in Newborn Babies?

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Every women at least once in their lifetime wishes to give birth to a child, after all it is a huge blessing and start of an amazing and beautiful new life journey. Pregnancy is indeed a delightful yet wild journey. For expecting women, it is a ride with whirlwind of mixed emotions. From the very first day of conception to giving birth and then raising your baby, it is the most wonderful journey of ‘motherhood’.

Every women’s journey is different from one another. Throughout the duration of pregnancy, mother’s body undergoes a lot of physical and emotional changes. The excitement for the parents’ level up day by day, and the excitement and eagerness come to the peak when the delivery days are close. Giving birth to a baby is the most wonderful feeling in the entire world. Having a happy healthy baby is what every mother prays for but some newborns may have signs of distress after being born. Staying aware of these issues might help the new mother and father. These are some common signs of distress which are noticeable in newborn babies.

Fetal Distress

Fetal here refers to fetus which means the newborn. It is mostly recognized in babies born before their due date.

Symptoms of distress in Newborns

In newborn these are the most noticeable symptoms of distress.

Cyanosis (Bluish skin tone)

Cyanosis or central cyanosis is normally common in infants’ period. Persistent central cyanosis is totally abnormal and must be treated well and properly.  Central cyanosis clearly tells us about cyanosis located in the middle or central body parts of the newborn baby which included mouth, head and torso. The skin and mucus membranes become bluish in cyanosis.

Causes:

  • It is actually caused by problems of heart.
  • Central cyanosis mainly happens because of the changes of blood color on the basis of presence or absence oxygen.
  • Lungs abnormalities can cause cyanosis.
  • Lack of oxygen received by lungs can cause cyanosis

Treatment:

It is treated with an injection called prostaglandin which is given to the newly born baby right after being born.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

Respiratory distress syndrome or neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is noticeable in premature babies. It is a lung disease which causes difficulties for babies in breathing. Chances of RDS increases if the baby is born before the due date or completing the whole duration of pregnancy which is exactly 9 months. Other than premature babies these are the infants who are at risk of getting RDS.

  • Twins or other multiple births
  • Babies with XY chromosomes
  • Other siblings having RDS infection
  • Newborns delivered through C-section
  • Infectious infants
  • Expecting woman suffering from diabetes

Causes:

  • Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is mainly found in those newborns whose lungs are underdeveloped.
  • It occurs due to lack of a sticky and slippery material known as surfactant. This substance protects the alveoli from shrinking.
  • Mostly RDS is found in babies who are premature. The babies who are fully developed inside their mother’s body does not suffer from RDS.
  • RDS may occur due to genetic problem.

Surfactant is only formed by a pair of healthy lungs.

Signs and symptoms of RDS:

These symptoms are noticeable in the infants having RDS

  • Rapid inhale and exhale of oxygen.
  • Difficult and slow breathing
  • Babies producing grunting noise while breathing
  • Broadening of the nostrils during inhaling and exhaling of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • Need of more oxygen in case to keep baby pink, normal and warm.

Prognosis

X-rays of chest are blood tests are done to identify the issue. Endocardiogram is also done to learn about different heart diseases and problems.

Cure or Treatment

These are some ways for cure or treatment of respiratory distress syndrome.

Requirement of oxygen:

Babies suffering from respiratory distress syndrome requires extra oxygen than normal babies to stay warm and pink. Here are some way through which you can fulfil the requirement of the infant.

  • A cannula can be attached to the nose of baby which is a small tube attached to the nostrils of baby. This way baby can receive the require quantity of oxygen.
  • CPAP stand for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a machine which easily and smoothly impulses oxygen to the lungs to keep the air sacs wide open.
  • If the condition of the newborn is serious, then putting the baby on ventilator can help. This will aid the infant in breathing when the babies find it difficult to breath on their own. A tube through which inhaling and exhaling takes place is put into the trachea.  This whole process is called intubation.

Replacing Surfactant:

  • The slippery material surfactant, is prearranged into the lungs of the baby straight into the trachea through a tube which helps in breathing.

Intravenous Catheter Treatment:

  • Catheter is a small tube which can be positioned in the one or more than one blood vessels in placenta or umbilical cord. In this way a fetus can get sufficient fluids, food and medicines.

Medicinal Treatment:

  • Antibiotics are given to the baby if the infection is diagnosed. Soothing and relaxing medicines can help in relieving pain during the whole surfactant treatment.

Treatment may help in recovering baby but sometimes RDS can get worse. If the baby is breathing properly and is not facing any difficulty in breathing, then the baby is getting better.

Apnea:

It can be a normal way of baby’s development. Healthy babies may also have little central apnea. 

Causes:

These are some of the causes of apnea.

  • It can be caused by infections of Central Nervous System (CNS).
  • Birth asphyxia or knowns as head trauma.
  • Hereditary issues of metabolism

Oliguria:

It is basically caused because of the less urine output of infants. Normally even a healthy newborn does not urinate for the first 24 hours but not urinating for more than 24 hours can be dangerous and you may need to call your health provider immediately.

Causes:

  • Dehydration is the common cause of oliguria.
  • Urinary tract blockage or obstruction can also cause oliguria. It occurs when urine cannot leave kidneys.
  • It can be caused due to infections and trauma.
  • Medications can also affect urination which may lead to oliguria.

Hiccupping, yawning, frowning and sneezing can also be the signs of distress or stress in infants. These are the most common and usual signs of distress in infants. if you still find confusion in these, call on your doctor or care provider immediately for more information regarding any of your issues.

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New Parent Tip: Feeding your Newborn

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Going to be a mother for the first time? Many doubts, many confusions would be swinging in your mind about which diaper you should use for your little one, what to feed him/her, what are the things you should avoid in order to protect them from various consequences.

The first question that arises about feeding your newborn is whether you should opt for formula milk or do it in a natural way that is breastfeeding?! Let’s clear the air about this dilemma with proper information about both ways

How Much To Feed Your Child

Your infant will need about 8 to 12 times a day in the first week. And the duration of feeding may lead upto 20 to 30 minutes but setting a time limit is not necessary, let you baby fulfill their need as per their own demand. You might notice a decrease in the timing when your baby gets older.

And when we talk about formula milk, the consumption could be 2 to 3 ounces every 3 to 4 hours. Newborns are likely to have it every 3rd hour. The hungry little creatures also give off signs when they are hungry, here’s a guide to make you informed about it

Guide To Your Baby’s Signs When Hungry

  • When your infant opens mouth.
  • A very obvious sign, when your baby is crying.
  • When you baby press against you breast of suck your clothes.
  • When the baby is licking their own hand or stick out tongue as an act of sucking it.
  • When the baby move its head side to side.

Formula Milk vs. Breastfeeding

It is seen that some mothers are not comfortable with breastfeeding and have supersticians that milk from breast may harm their newborn, but in reality, formula milk is not best suited for your sweetheart.

Breastfeeding is preferred by doctors which can be a natural food for your loved one along with many health benefits for you and your baby.

Formula Milk Pros and Cons

Along with many handy benefits for you as a mother, formula milk comes with many disadvantages for your baby.

No Mental Growth

The baby formula has shown no good results in terms of baby’s mental growth, be it intelligence or smartness. As compared to babies who breastfeed, baby formula feeding babies are less intelligent. That is also because baby formula only fulfills the nutritional requirement selectively while breastfeeding has all the natural components to provide your baby with a complete range of nutrients like proteins, vitamins etc.

Discourages Physical Attachment With Mother

Baby formula is fed by bottles, although feeding your baby with a bottle may come with many other perks like anyone in family can feed them and you can enjoy them watching for example, watching you in-laws or you husband feeding their little one may give you joy but there will also be a bad side to it.

The disadvantage is that it will detach you with your sweetie, breastfeeding is done keeping your baby close to you, there is physical connection as well as emotional bond of mother and the newborn which has shown growth in babies in terms of emotions and IQ level. Baby formula discourages the bond between mother and baby.

No Boosting of Immunity

There are no ingredients in formula milk that will contribute to your baby’s immunity. Although many companies claim that but in reality no one does as compared to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has naturally been rewarded with this quality which naturally boosts your baby’s immune system as it is hygienic and healthy. Another disadvantage if we talk about formula milk is that it is easily exposed to germs because bottles are not as safe as a mother’s breast.

No promise of Long-Term Protection

The newborn days of your baby are said to be the most sensitive ones, as it sets the base of your baby’s health for long-term. If these starting days are not cared for enough, the consequences could be a little disturbing in future. So formula milk is an outsourced way to keep your baby fulfilled but only breastfeeding can do a wholesome work and will prevent diseases in future as well.

Now if we talk about some other social perks of formula milk there are many, let say, you can feed your cranky little human in public too if you feed them with a bottle without feeling awkward. But you might not want to risk your baby’s health over some worldly perks.

Breastfeeding Pros and Cons

Breastfeeding doesn’t even need an appreciation or any justification because it’s a natural phenomenon that is itself a miracle. When you get pregnant, the mammary glands in your breasts get what they are made for and get prepared for your baby’s after care.

World Health Organization (WHO) has also stated that breastfeeding should be done until your baby is 2 years old, let’s count the benefits

Best for Mom and the Baby

After you deliver your baby, breastfeeding helps you regain your previous shape and lose weight, helps your uterus to contract and stop bleeding sooner, and prevent many diseases like breast cancer. As much as it’s best for your baby, it’s no less for yourself too. Unlikely formula milk, as spoken earlier, breastfeeding fulfills the need of all nutrients required for the baby’s growth. The energy provided by natural milk is more likely to digest by your baby than the formula milk. Immune system gets stronger each passing day of breastfeeding as it prevents allergies and infections.

Natural Bond with your baby

Breastfeeding promotes your bond with your baby emotionally and physical as there is a physical contact. The time you’d be saving from cleaning those bottles of formula milk, you can spend with your kid all alone in your room, feed your baby as much as he/she wants and when they’re done talk to them and create a phenomenal mother and kid bond. There are such hormones released from your natural milk that causes warmth and feeling of calm in mother and a child both.

Economical Along With Many Benefits

You don’t need to think about making a budget for your child’s nutritional needs. Breastfeeding is cost free along with all benefits that a formula milk can’t provide. There will be no expense incurred for your child’s medication as it will save your little one from many diseases and infections, also it prevents constipation. So medication expenses will be lesser as compared to those who feed their newborns formula milk.

Maintains Baby’s Weight

Breastfeeding discourages weakness and promotes health and weight gain for a child. When we talk about weight gain, we talk about healthy weight gain not overweight. Breastfeeding helps maintain the weight of the kid and prevents child obesity. The reason is that it keeps the digestion well and regulated and everything keeps going inside your baby’s stomach normally.

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