hypoglycemia Mama Baby CareWhat 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.