SIGNS YOUR NEWBORN MIGHT NEED TO GO TO THE DOCTOR URGENTLY

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A NEWBORN ILLNESS

When it comes to newborns, we know that they cannot talk. Therefore, we can only try to recognize symptoms and illnesses by how they react. Do you know that newborns have a higher risk of getting an infection in the first month? You must oversee your baby for signs of illnesses, especially during the first seven days of life. The symptoms of a severe illness in newborns can be subtle. Be sure to look out for an abnormal act in any way.

Feeding is one way to ensure that your child is healthy and fit. Newborns are known to eat a lot and if your baby is not feeding well, be sure to call your doctor. If you also notice an abnormal change in the baby’s feeding pattern, be sure to contact your doctor. Also, call your doctor if your baby looks or acts strangely.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of illness such as coughing, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Be sure to seek emergency care if your doctor does not respond to your calls. Waiting for a response from your doctor might be dangerous or result in a life-threatening situation.

Call your doctor if you notice that your child is sweating abnormally during feeding. Try to understand your child’s sleeping pattern, and when you see or notice that your child is sleeping more than the usual time, do not hesitate to call your doctor. Other signs include:

• Change in the colour of some parts of the body (e.g. arms and legs looking pale or bluish)
• Fever in a baby less than twelve weeks old (Do not give your baby any fever medicine before calling your doctor).
• Low temperature (lower than 36^0C)
• When you think your child’s problem is urgent.

Be sure to contact your doctor or seek emergency care within 24 hours if you notice your newborn’s urine is changing to a pinkish, orangey, or peachy colour. Also, contact your doctor when you think your newborn needs to be seen, but the problem or symptoms is not listed. Be sure also to call if you have other questions or concerns.

WHEN TO TAKE YOUR BABY TO THE EMERGENCY WARD

Taking your baby to the emergency unit or room could be scary, but remain calm for your child. Try to remember most of the symptoms observed before heading to the emergency ward. Emergency care is needed if you notice any of the following:

• Vomit that is green or bloody.
• Bluish skin or lips
• Extreme difficulty waking your newborn.
• Trouble breathing.
• Suspected poisoning.

All newborns sleep a lot, but when you notice that your baby is sleeping excessively, he/she might be getting sick and might need to see a doctor urgently. Be sure to watch out for additional signs that your baby might be exhibiting. Some skin conditions might require you to go to the emergency ward if you notice that your baby starts to develop a yellow appearance on the skin that does not go away or spreads to other parts of the body. A call to your doctor or a visit to the emergency might be very necessary. Other skin conditions such as rash, diaper rash, and pale skin with a temperature that is higher or lower than normal might also require you to see a doctor or visit an emergency ward. You must pay proper attention to your newborn’s bowel movements and wet diapers. Pay close attention to the number of wet and messy diapers your baby makes. Multiple changing times may be a sign that your baby is ill.

Necessary information to have at hand for an emergency visit

Before you go to the emergency room with your baby, you must know in detail the symptoms observed. It is even better to write this information down. This information can be anything but generally include:

• When the symptoms began.
• Medicines already administered.
• When and how the medication was administered.
• When and what did your child eat and drank last.
• When the last diaper was changed.
• The rate of vomiting.

RED FLAGS FOR AN EMERGENCY CARE NEED

When you feel that your child is having symptoms of illness, please try not to panic as it will not help the situation at hand. Instead, here are some guidelines to help determine if you need to seek emergency care for your baby.

• Fever: a high fever is a red flag that needs an emergency response.
• Crying: unusual cries from your infant should be considered abnormal. It should be observed as abnormal once your child does not stop crying after being held or rocked.
• Vomiting: if your baby is vomiting and is not well hydrated, it should be considered a red flag, and you must seek emergency care immediately. Be sure to know the colour of the vomit. Interval between vomits is also needed to be noticed.
• Trouble breathing: if your baby is wheezing or making a high pitched noise while breathing is not a good sign and it needs immediate attention.
• Injuries or falls: if your child falls or gets injured by accident, either by themselves or by you, it is considered a red flag.
• Listlessness: if you notice that your baby seems to have little or no energy, always drowsy and sluggish, you must seek medical attention.
• Poor appetite: as we all know that newborns eat a lot. As soon as it is observed that your child refuses to eat, it may be a sign of illness.
• Colourful urine: once you notice that your child’s urine changes colour, you must seek immediate medical attention.

CONCLUSION

As a nursing mother, be attentive to your baby’s general behaviour and wellbeing. Be sure to know the details of how your child is faring. Also, you must have different paediatricians’ numbers in emergency care. Also, keep up with the clinic’s pediatric timetable.