Introduction:
A newborn experiences an exhaustive list of changes during the first two weeks, knowing which is vital for every new parent.
The following are a few concerns seen in a newborn:
1. Breathing:
Sounds near the chest while breathing without any breathing difficulty and noisy breathing are expected in a newborn. These conditions do not require any treatment. Nasal drops are sufficient in most cases.
Conditions that require attention are:
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Fast breathing.
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Change of color of lips, palms, and soles to blue or black.
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Cessation of breath during feeds.
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Sweating during feeds.
2. Bowel Movements:
Numerous visible changes can be seen in newborns during their first few days. The meconium, which is the newborn's first bowel movement, appears dark green or black and is thick in consistency. In the subsequent bowel movements, the stools appear yellow-green. In terms of consistency of stools in newborns, it is usually loose. If the newborns are formula-fed, the stool may be a little firm. Constipation is common in infants who eat cereals or drink cow's milk.
Changes in bowel movements that are important to note are:
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Increased frequency of bowel movements.
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Change in the color of stool.
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Passage of hard stools is an indicator of dehydration.
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Watery stools or diarrhea.
3. Urination:
The color of urine in newborns should vary between light to dark yellow. In general, infants urinate every one to three hours to every two to four hours. However, it is normal to have a reduced frequency during hot climates.
Changes in urination that should be taken care of include:
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Dark yellow-colored urine - This indicates dehydration.
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Blood in urine or blood spots seen in the diaper.
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Feeling of distress or pain during urination.
4. Normal Skin Changes:
Skin changes observed in a newborn include:
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A red-colored rash over the entire body with a white top usually starts on the second or third day of life.
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Tiny whitish lesions over the nose and hard palate.
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Whitish yellow lesions over the forehead and scalp.
5. Spitting Up:
Burping or spitting up is a common occurrence in all newborns and is not a concern that requires medical attention. However, to avoid burping, the infant should be kept in an upright position for quite some time.
The following are some significant signs that should be acknowledged:
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Poor weight gain.
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Forceful spitting that brings out the contents of the stomach.
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Vomitus is yellow or green and has a coffee-ground appearance.
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Present with other signs like diarrhea, fever, or breathing difficulty.
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Passing blood in stools.
If your newborn has any of the above signs, it is essential to reach out to a healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes.
6. Eyes:
Bright red spots in the white of the eye soon after birth and mild redness over the eyelids are expected in a newborn.
7. Teething:
Most newborns do not have teeth at birth. While, in some, there can be natal teeth. The first milk teeth start to erupt at about six months. After that, all the 20 milk teeth will erupt at around the age of three.
The process in which the teeth pierce the gums to erupt into the oral cavity is called teething. Teething can bring about the following symptoms:
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Reduced sleep.
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Fussiness.
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Loss of appetite.
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Excessive drooling.
If teething is associated with the below signs, it is essential to reach out to a healthcare provider:
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Fever.
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Diarrhea.
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Appears fussy for an extended period of time.
8. Cry:
The cry can be due to many reasons
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Hunger cry, which is the most common.
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Wet or soiled nappy.
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Sometimes before passing urine (sensation of discomfort).
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Boredom.
Beware of irritable cry, which might be a sign of:
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Infection.
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Insect bites, which might not be apparent. Search for any rash or bite mark.
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Nappy rash, which causes pain while passing stools or urinating.
9. Colicky Abdominal Pain:
A common cause of crying, which requires medication, is a colicky abdominal pain, usually in the evenings. The presence of excessive cry, which does not subside with feeding or consoling, requires the use of anti-colic drops. Colicky abdominal pain can be identified by passing gas or an extended stomach. It is usually seen in newborns between the second and fourth week and disappears at about the third or fourth month.
This pain occurs due to dietary changes in the breastfeeding mother or milk-protein sensitivity in formula-fed infants. It is essential to consult with your doctor regarding colicky abdominal pain, as in some cases, it can also occur due to a hernia or other medical conditions.
10. Hiccups:
Hiccups and sneezing are pretty standard. Hiccups usually occur due to swallowing air during feeds. Feeding can reduce hiccups.
11. Discharge:
Some white or red discharge from the vagina in girl babies is common in newborns.
12. Jaundice:
Jaundice is a condition characterized by increased bilirubin in the body. During the first few days after birth, due to the reduced functioning of the liver, the bilirubin is not adequately removed from the body, which results in jaundice.
It is not a problem of concern and does not require treatment in most cases. However, in a few, it can bring about brain damage. Jaundice is usually caught up in the hospital by the healthcare provider soon after birth, and appropriate treatment is given. If you happen to notice jaundice in your newborn after you return home, you need to consult about it with your physician at the earliest.
The following are the signs of jaundice:
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Yellowish discoloration of the skin.
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The whites of the eye also exhibit yellowish discoloration.
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Nail beds appear yellow.
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The urine of the newborn has a dark yellow shade.
13. Cough:
Drinking too fast can bring about coughing in newborns, which should come back to normal with time. However, in conditions where there is persistent gagging or coughing, consulting a physician is needed to rule out gastrointestinal and respiratory problems.
How to Care for the Umbilical Cord After Delivery?
The umbilical cord that develops during pregnancy is needed to transfer nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus. With delivery, the cord is cut down. As days pass, the remaining umbilical cord falls off to form the belly button.
In order to avoid infections of the umbilicus, the following are essential:
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The area of the umbilicus should be cleaned adequately and kept dry.
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For cleaning the umbilicus, baby wipes or alcohol-dipped cotton swabs can be used.
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The umbilicus should be kept exposed to the air. While using diapers, the top should be folded to keep the umbilicus exposed to open air.
Conclusion:
Taking care of newborns is not as simple as it looks. It may be tiresome and requires adequate knowledge, especially if you are a parent for the first time. For you to be able to look after your newborn and identify the signs and symptoms that can denote an underlying illness is possible only with some basic knowledge about the concerns seen in an infant. At times of doubt, do not hesitate to seek the help of your physician.
