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Newborn Babies and Disease

Common Medical Problems of Newborns

When your bundle of joy turns you into a bundle of nerves, it is important to distinguish a common problem with a more serious disease. Newborn babies and disease symptoms are a cause of great concern for new mothers. Most newborns will experience rashes, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset and respiratory infections. A rash may be a simple allergy or heat induced. Stomach upset and constipation are usually related to diet changes, sometimes changed too quickly. A respiratory infection needs to be closely observed for fever and breathing obstructions. Diarrhea, while just a pain in the butt for adults, can be a serious problem for infants. Dehydration is the most serious side effect of diarrhea and can cause electrolyte imbalances.

Tandem mass spectrometry can detect 20 to 30 metabolic disorders in newborns but not all states require this test. For those living in states where the test is not required, it is up to the individual parent to request this test and it is well worth the extra money. This test requires only a few drops of blood taken from the heel. Newborn babies and disease screening can be vitally important. Since the 1960's, all states have required a test for PKU (phenylketonuria), a disease that can cause severe mental retardation, but can be prevented with just a special diet. Other screenings should be done for heart murmurs, congenital hip deformities and retinoblastoma, a tumor behind the eye that can be detected with vision screening.

Congenital diseases and congential infections occur during pregnancy, and the infant is born with a problem. Known causes of these diseases are alcoholism and drug abuse, as well as genetics. Few congenital conditions are preventable, too often the causes are unknown.

Jaundice is common, up to 60% of all newborns have this condition, where the liver is trying to "catch up" to the needs of the body. 80% of premature infants are affected by jaundice. Phototherapy (lights) is the therapy of choice in most cases.

Newborns may be transferred to the intensive care nursery due to complications from prematurity, prolonged resuscitation, respiratory distress, and infections, among other conditions.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is extremely serious and can cause death. Although the cause of SIDS is not known, contributing factors can include an immature brain stem and heart abnormalities.

Prevention of some disease in newborn babies may be as simple as making sure immunizations are given on a timely basis. Good prenatal care benefits both mother and child health. Simple blood tests and screening can catch diseases in the earliest stages as well as decrease the incidence of further complications. Regular visits to the pediatrician and well baby care also contribute to baby's good health.

When disease is diagnosed in the newborn, parents must become informed consumers of medical information. The internet provides vast amounts of information about disease and treatment options. Support groups provide not only support but advice to those in similar circumstances. The best place to start is the National Institute of Health website. Information and knowledge can help calm your own bundle of nerves while you care for your bundle of joy!

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Car seat and child safety to be topics of parenting class (Sweetwater Reporter)
17 Nov 2008 at 7:29pm
Sweetwater Emergency Services Director, Grant madden will be this month's speaker during a parenting class sponsored by the Women's Resource Center of Sweetwater. Madden will speak on car seat installation and basic child safety.

Good parenting presented by the Somerset County Office of Youth Services and ...
16 Nov 2008 at 6:18pm
SOMERVILLE - Raising a healthy, happy child is one of the most important objectives of parents. The Somerset County Office of Youth Services and the Somerset Medical Center will cosponsor a workshop, titled "Good Parenting: What Does that Mean?," from...