Alarming Warning Signs that Parents Must Not Ignore in Their Newborns

 Having a newborn in the family is like welcoming a little bundle of joy. However, this brings along a lot of responsibility as a parent. As newborns are new to the living world, they can’t express their physical discomfort. A parent can only ensure that a newborn is healthy by observing their behavior, feeding patterns, and other noticeable signs, according to the best pediatrician in Delhi.

  

A parent needs to be careful about the signs. Some symptoms presented by newborns when ill, are not severe and usually short-lived. However, some indicate an underlying serious illness calling for the prompt attention of a child health specialist- a licensed, best paediatrician.

A parent must know what the newborn’s body is trying to say at the earliest. Early identification of the newborn's health-related warning signs will ensure timely and the best treatment.

Warning Signs of Potential  Health Issues in Newborns

1. Persistent High Fever

A rectal or forehead temperature of 100.4°F or higher may indicate a systemic infection or inflammation.

2. Low Urinary Frequency

Wetting fewer than six diapers within 5 days of birth or no urine output for 12 hours indicates dehydration or a urinary tract condition.

3. Abnormal or No Bowel Movements for Around 48 Hours

That’s possible due to gut health issues or feeding problems. Take your child to a General Pediatrician in Delhi for diagnosis of the concern and get it treated so that the baby does not suffer from any problems and has a healthy gut.

4. Difficulty in Breathing

Rapid, labored breathing, flared nostrils, grunting sounds, or chest retractions may be signs of a respiratory illness, such as pneumonia or a congenital heart problem.

5. Feed Denial or Poor Feeding

If the newborn is not crying for feed every 2-3 hours, always refuses feed, faces trouble latching, is a weak sucker, and vomits after every feed, it could be due to digestive issues, an infection, or severe dehydration.

6. Unusual Sleepiness or Lethargy

A newborn must be waking up for feeds and responding to the mother’s touch or sound. If a newborn shows a weak response, sleeps excessively, has difficulty waking up, or limps, this may indicate an infection, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or neurological problems.

7. Extreme Vomiting of Unusual Color

Constant, forceful vomiting of yellow or green color, when accompanied by weight loss, may be caused by a serious digestive problem or an intestinal blockage.

8. Severe or Persistent Jaundice

Most newborns have mild jaundice, but if the yellowing of eyes or skin is severe or worsening, then that’s the result of high bilirubin. If ignored, bilirubin can be damaging to the newborn’s brain.

9. Unusual Body Movements

A newborn’s sudden repetitive body movements like jerking, stiffening, or twitching; eye rolling; or unresponsiveness may indicate seizures due to neurological conditions, infections, or metabolic disorders.

10. Skin Color Changes

A bluish, pale, or grayish skin around the tongue, lips, or fingernails may signal poor blood circulation, cardiac health issues, or respiratory illness. It must be immediately addressed to ensure your newborn's well-being.

11. Unusual Crying Patterns/ Persistent Irritability

A persistent, inconsolable, high-pitched cry or a sudden wail cry of a newborn may be an indication of physical discomfort like infection, neurological problems, or colic issues.

12. A Swelling, Redness, or Discharge with Foul Smell Around the Umbilical Cord

When the umbilical stump fails to dry and shed naturally within 1-2 weeks, but instead becomes swollen, red, or filled with foul-smelling pus, it is likely due to an umbilical cord infection.

Talk to an Expert!

If you have an intuition that something is not right or if you notice any of the above signs in your newborn, seek immediate medical advice from Dr. Promilla Butani, the Best Pediatrician in Delhi. She has decades of experience as a pediatrician/child doctor. With Dr. Promilla Butani, you can learn about how to care for a newborn, what mistakes to avoid, and even get your newborn’s illness best treated. It is crucial to be attentive and patient when caring for your newborn’s well-being.

Consult with her today to give your newborn a good and healthy start with a healthy body.