Health Risks for a New Baby

Due to their brand-new immune systems, newborns are susceptible to numerous health risks and illnesses. Being aware of four common health risks that newborns are most likely to face will give you an idea of how best to react when symptoms do arise.

Jaundice

Jaundice causes a newborns skin, eyes and mouth to turn a yellowish color. This happens because of an excessive buildup of bilirubin, a byproduct of the body's natural process of breaking down old red blood cells to produces new ones. Normally the liver removes bilirubin from the body, but a newborn's liver doesn't begin to work at full force until after a few days, and up to a week.

For many newborns, jaundice simply goes away once the liver begins to function at full power. However, for some newborns jaundice can cause brain damage if it goes untreated. If a newborn continues to have yellowish skin after a few days of birth, consult a physician. Treatment for jaundice involves a specialize lamp that helps an infant break down excess bilirubin until the liver catches up.

Common Cold

Newborns, by nature, have a weak immune system because they haven't been exposed to, or have developed a resistance to, the world's many common viruses. Since newborns can catch a common cold so easily, it's wise to limit or monitor their exposure to possible sources of infection. Be especially careful around other newborns and make sure that young children who sneeze in their hands wash them immediately.

Common colds cause ear infections, wheezing, sinus inflammation, throat infections and even pneumonia. It can be difficult to discern what degree of illness a newborn is experiencing, so the best action to take when any of the above symptoms are displayed is to consult a physician.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly contagious, very common, fungal infection affecting the skin. The infection appears in a red circular shape, no larger than a quarter, and is scaly to touch. Ringworm is unpleasant and very itch, but doesn't cause any serious damage. It's transmitted through contact with an infected person or pet. In it's most serious form, ringworm causes a moist inflamed area with pustules near the newborn's scalp. Keep your newborn's nails short if these symptoms arise, because scratching could lead to a bacterial infection. Consult a physician for the best treatment options. Often treatment will included an over-the-counter or prescribed anti-fungal cream.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in newborns. It's transmitted when a baby touches a contaminated object and then puts her hands in her mouth. Almost all infants will catch the rotavirus by the age of three. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and nausea. The biggest health risk of rotavirus is dehydration due to expulsion of large quantities of water in the diarrhea. If your baby shows any of these symptoms or a fever of over 103 degrees Fahrenheit take him to their health care provider immediately. In 2006 the FDA approved RotaTeq, a vaccine designed to prevent rotavirus; consult your physician about vaccinating your child against this highly contagious virus.