How can you spot a newborn illness?

Becoming a new mum is an incredibly joyful time. It’s no secret that you now have an undeniable responsibility for your new child. You are now liable for the care and comfort of your baby, and this can certainly come with its ups and downs. 

Please note: Your baby will likely be perfectly happy and well, but if you are ever concerned, please contact a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.

What is your newborn baby entitled to in the UK health system?

Following the birth of your child, all parents are offered an in-depth physical examination of their baby within 72 hours. This includes several screening tests to determine any issues with their heart, eyes, hips, and for boys, testicles.

This examination is carried out to spot any problems as early as possible to decide whether your baby needs treatment. They may feel slightly uncomfortable, but they won’t feel any pain. 

Usually, nothing of concern is found. However, if the doctor does find a potential issue, your baby may be referred for more tests.

In the first six to eight weeks, your baby will be offered some screening tests. One of these includes the Newborn Blood Spot (NBS) test, which involves taking a small sample of your baby’s blood to check for rare but serious health conditions. Such conditions include sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.

To do this, a healthcare professional will prick your baby’s heel to collect the blood sample. Your baby may cry due to the discomfort, but this process is over very quickly.

What are the red flags to look out for that point towards illness?

Your baby may show some warning signs that they are not feeling well. You should always be vigilant, especially as newborns are at higher risk for infections during their first month. 

A good way to assess if your baby is feeling well is to monitor their feeding habits. Newborns are typically hungry at all times – you should call your doctor if your baby is not feeding well, or you feel they are not getting enough milk. 

Be sure to regularly check their temperature. Perhaps they are showing a high temperature, but have cold feet and hands. They could be seriously ill if they are showing a high temperature and they are less than eight weeks old. 

Additionally, rapid breathing, blue or pale skin, constant crying and green vomit are potential warning signs of illness.

How common is misdiagnosis in newborns?

There are several common illnesses in infants, including respiratory issues, nappy rashes, diarrhea and vomiting and hand-foot-mouth disease. However, there are cases where illnesses are misdiagnosed, causing serious consequences. 

The parents of a two-month-old girl were left devastated after their baby died going into septic shock, whilst doctors misinterpreted her symptom’s as cow’s milk intolerance. 

If you believe your baby has been misdiagnosed, you could be entitled to make a medical negligence claim. It’s so important to stay aware of the warning signs, and always call a professional if you think something is unusual.