Infants are usually vulnerable to diseases shortly after birth and as they transition from the safety of the womb to this world. They discover to breathe, feed, and do other things during this time. It is also when their lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs learn to work together. If they are in pain, they can only express themselves by crying. As a parent, it is vital to work with your Argyle pediatrician to understand what is bothering your baby and take action in good time.
1. Jaundice
In newborns and infants, jaundice is very prevalent. It happens when there is a surplus of bilirubin in the baby’s blood, resulting in yellowish skin pigmentation. Because many children are born with neonatal jaundice, this is a fairly common problem. It happens because the baby’s liver is not mature enough to eliminate the excess bilirubin in the blood. Neonatal jaundice usually clears up on its own. It should go away within 2-3 weeks of the baby’s birth in most cases. However, if jaundice lasts longer than three weeks, it could be a sign of a more severe condition, and parents should consult with their child’s doctor.
2. Abdominal dilatation
In newborns and healthy infants, abdominal dilatation can happen. Taking too much air is a common cause of abdominal distension in infants. You must keep an eye on your baby’s stomach as a parent. The bellies of newborns are usually protruding and soft. When you touch your baby’s stomach, it may feel stiff and swollen due to gas or constipation. The issue should be fixed as the baby’s body adjusts to feeding. However, if a bluish tinge persists and significant distension of the abdomen, it could indicate a severe underlying issue with the internal organs.
3. Nausea
It is usual for babies to vomit or spit up the milk. This is why mothers burp their babies to keep them from vomiting. However, if your baby vomits after being fed and you notice a greenish color in his vomit, and he continues to vomit, this could indicate a severe problem. Infants can become dehydrated very quickly, necessitating medical attention and treatment. Lactose and breast milk intolerance are also fairly common issues that require medical attention and monitoring. Regular vomiting and spitting up of milk could indicate an infection or digestive problems.
4. Birth injuries
A baby may sustain a physical injury during the birthing process. It is referred to as birth injury or trauma. Using forceps to extract the baby from the birth canal could result in a birth injury. The majority of infants heal soon from the trauma of childbirth. Babies who are delivered virginally may develop swelling on their scalp due to the vacuum; they may also be injured due to the use of forceps.
Most newborn and infant health problems and diseases resolve on their own over time as babies grow stronger and learn to cope. However, parents should exercise extreme caution. Take your baby to routine checkups, keep up with hygiene, and keep a tranquil mind. Call Argyle Pediatrics or book an appointment online to learn more.
