Though most pregnancies and deliveries go off without a hitch, there are times when the fetus or the newborn baby has health problems. Learn what health problems a fetus or newborn might experience, what will happen and how to learn how to cope with the situation.
When you are pregnant, you will probably assume the delivery will go smoothly and your newborn will be healthy. This is usually the case, but all expectant parents should understand that there are times when the fetus or newborns can have health problems and there’s nothing that can be done to prevent it in some cases.
Preparing for a Newborn with Health Problems
There is no way for parents to prepare themselves for birthing complication or a baby being born with a birth defect. However, you should understand some common problems that are experienced by newborns to be better prepared to deal with issues that do crop up.
Prenatal Tests
Your doctor may ask you to have certain prenatal tests if she suspects that something is amiss. The results of these tests will help her rule out birth defects such as cleft lip and spina bifida. There are some birth defects that can’t be identified until after your baby is born. This includes meconium aspiration, which occurs when your baby inhales his first bowel movement and amniotic fluid during his delivery.
Prenatal Birth Defects
When your doctor detects a birth defect as a result of prenatal testing, she will explain the procedures that will take place immediately after your baby’s birth. Ask if you, as parents, can tour the Intensive Care Unit to become better informed on the services available and to meet the health care professional team that will be caring for your newborn. The medical team will consist of neonatal nurses, possible a pediatric surgeon, a pediatric anesthesiologist and a neonatologist, as well as registered nurses. In certain circumstances, other health care professionals may be asked to assist in your baby’s care.
Newborn Problems
Many premature and full term newborns develop jaundice when they are a few days old. If your newborn is one of them, the whites of his eyes and his skin will turn yellow. This is because there is an excess of bilirubin in his blood. Babies who are perfectly healthy develop jaundice, so don’t panic. The condition develops when a newborn’s liver is premature and isn’t able to process the excess bilirubin.
Call your doctor immediately if your newborn develops jaundice. She will probably order a blood test that will measure the amount of excess bilirubin in his blood. This will help her decide if the jaundice requires treatment.