Pregnancy is difficult, but having a little life around you and caring for their well-being can get taxing. As a mother, you should avoid assuming the reasons for a specific behaviour your child shows but should look for actual reasons and seek medical help. With time, you will learn to differentiate between the normal and not so normal symptoms.
Some symptoms that you need to look out for:
Fever
Fever in the first months is a sign of bacterial infection and should not be avoided. Temperature above 100.4 F is also not normal and should be reported to the doctor.
Marks on Skin/Rashes
If you see any kind of little red mark or rash on the arms, legs, forehead or any part of the body, try pressing a finger on it. Most of the rashes go away by pressing on it. If the rash doesn’t go away with pressing, it may be a sign of meningitis infection or blood vessels disease. Let the doctor examine and help you with the medicines.
Vomiting or diarrhoea
The baby’s immune system is still developing, so vomiting and diarrhoea is normal. Continuously vomiting after every feed needs treatment. If you observe blood drops in vomit or stools, it is a serious issue and should be treated at the earliest
Problem in breathing
If you see a spot in the middle of chest sinking in while breathing or the space between his ribs being pulled, you should get medical help. Rapid breathing is also not a good sign.
Nonstop crying
Your baby cannot talk or complain about what’s happening yet.The only way he will communicate that something is wrong is by crying. Schedule an appointment with the paediatrician for a regular check-up and he will let you know the exact reason. It could be gastro issues, food allergy among many other probable things.
Watery eyes
Watery eyes or discharge from the eyes even when he is not crying could be a symptom of infection in the membrane lining or eyelids. Sometimes there could be a foreign object in the eye which causes watery eyes. You can use moist clean cloth and remove the particle carefully.
Red Lump on eyes
Pus-filled lump at the corner of the eye is probably an infection. Visit a doctor and get it treated. You can also apply warm compress and it will go away in a week.
Yellow Skin and eyes
Yellow eyes or skin is the most common symptom of Jaundice. Many new-borns suffer from jaundice only because their livers are not yet working fully. Jaundice is quite normal and generally your doctor checks for it as soon as the baby is born and after the first regular check-up.
Discharge from ears
A continuous cold could cause that can get fluids trapped in the ear. It could result in pus coming out of ears, not able to listen correctly. Ear infection can be painful for your baby and doctors can help with some medicines.
Stuffy or runny nose
Excess mucus causes congestion in the nose and can affect the breathing. Viral infection can cause runny nose, fever, cough, and cold. Your baby would be uncomfortable but this generally goes on its own.
Nosebleed
Nosebleed happens when the nasal membranes dry up. Also, blood vessels in the nose lining may be ruptured. The doctor may recommend nasal drops which will help
Inflammation
You should be careful about maintaining the hygiene around your baby’s genitals. If you see redness or swelling around in that area, it could be because of bacterial infection or poor hygiene. Visit the doctor immediately because it’s quite painful for your baby. Antibiotics should help.
Foul smelling urine
Urinary tract infection is uncommon but can happen to children. Foul smelling urine, cloudy urine are some signs of the infection and may need antibiotics.
