Newborn problems


Newborn problems are the health issues which affect the baby right after birth. The most common newborn baby problems are:
  1. Jaundice – The liver is still not ready to process the high bilirubin levels so the skin and eyes turn yellowish.
  2. Breathing difficulties – Mostly seen in premature babies, due to underdeveloped lungs.
  3. Breast Feeding problems – Newborns have trouble latching or sucking the milk due to which the baby’s weight doesn’t grow as expected.
  4. Hypothermia – The baby’s temperature has variations and has difficulty in maintaining a stable temperature.
  5. Hypoglycemia – This is a condition where the baby has low levels of blood sugar especially in babies of diabetic mothers.
  6. Infections – Newborns are vulnerable to various infections especially in lungs, stomach and blood.
  7. Birth injuries – If the mother had a difficult delivery then the baby might suffer bruising or fractures.

However the majority of these problems can be managed quite effectively.

For expert pediatric care and management of newborn problems, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

Why do newborn babies have health problems?


Newborn babies can have health problems, often related to how they developed in the womb, the birth process, or their adjustment to life outside the uterus. Below are the main causes for problems in newborn babies:

1. Premature Birth


Birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature birth. The organs, especially lungs, brain, and digestive system have not been fully developed.
Common health issues due to premature birth are:-
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome-Breathing difficulties
  • Inability to take the feed properly
  • The immune system is underdeveloped so the premature baby can easily get infected.
  • Jaundice which is the yellowing of the eyes and skin.
  • Inability to maintain normal body temperature.

2. Birth Complications

  • Birth asphyxia- Lack of oxygen during delivery
  • Difficult labor or use of instruments like forceps or vacuum.

Possible complications due to forced delivery are:
  • Brain injury (cerebral palsy)
  • Physical trauma like injuries or bruises
  • Organ damage

3. Infections


Infections like Group B strep, herpes, HIV can be passed from the mother before or during birth.
Complications due to infections at birth are:-
  • Sepsis (a serious blood infection)
  • Meningitis
  • Pneumonia

4. Congenital Conditions -Birth Defects


Congenital birth defects are due to :-
  • Genetic disorders
  • Environmental exposures during pregnancy such as drugs, alcohol, infections, radiation

The most common birth defects are:
  • Heart defects
  • Down syndrome
  • Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida)

5. Maternal Health Issues


If the mother has conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, or malnutrition they can affect the baby.
Also mothers who smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs during pregnancy also raise the risk of newborn health problems.

6. Low Birth Weight


Low birth weight is the result of prematurity, poor fetal growth, or maternal health problems which could lead to:-
  • Temperature stability
  • Low blood sugar
  • Under developed organ systems

7. Difficulties Adjusting After Birth


Immediately after birth the newborn should be able to breathe, eat, and regulate temperature on their own. However some newborns struggle to do these activities on their own. Extra care has to be taken for such children to manage their conditions.

For expert pediatric care and management of newborn problems, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the complications due to problems in new born babies?


Complications could be mild to life-threatening, depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Every newborn problem has its own set of complications and here we are listing the most common ones:

1. Delay in development and growth


The child might suffer with:-
  • Problems in motor skills
  • Speech related issues
  • Cognitive function disabilities due to premature birth or birth-related brain injuries.

2. Respiratory Issues

  • Chronic lung disease in premature infants who suffered with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) during birth.
  • Might have to depend on external supply of oxygen for a long time.

3. Feeding and Growth Problems

  • The child will have issues in latching on sucking for milk. Inability to take proper feed will create its own issues such as poor growth, inadequate weight gain, poor brain development etc.

4. Neurological Complications

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Seizures
  • Due to brain damage from birth asphyxia or infections the child might suffer with hearing and vision loss

5. Increased Risk of Infections

  • Premature newborns have weak immune systems hence they are vulnerable to serious infections like pneumonia or sepsis.

6. Chronic Health Conditions

  • The newborn might develop lifelong complications such as diabetes, cardiac defects, or metabolic disorders.

7. Jaundice Complications

  • Without treatment for newborn jaundice the baby might develop kernicterus, a form of brain damage.

Neonatal intensive care (NICU), and continuous pediatric support are essential to minimize the long-term complications.

For expert pediatric care and management of newborn problems, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How are newborn problems diagnosed?


A combination of physical examination, screening tests, monitoring, and medical history are used to diagnose newborn problems. Below is a detailed explanation of the process:-

1. Physical Examination


Immediately after birth doctors take the APGAR score (at 1 and 5 minutes) that assesses the
  • Appearance
  • Pulse
  • Grimace
  • Activity
  • Respiration.

The newborn’s breathing, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color are also noted since they are key indicators for any newborn problems.
Some newborn defects have physical symptoms such as birth defects, jaundice, or injuries during birth.

2. Newborn Screening Tests


The screening tests are done within 24–72 hours of birth. These tests give a good view of any hidden serious conditions.
  • Blood spot test- Detects metabolic, hormonal, and genetic disorders like PKU, hypothyroidism, sickle cell anemia.
  • Hearing test – Detects early hearing loss.
  • Pulse oximetry – Detects the oxygen levels and heart defects.

3. Vital Signs Monitoring


The newborn is continuously monitored for:
  • Breathing pattern
  • Heart rate
  • Body temperature
  • Blood sugar levels in premature or at-risk babies

4. Imaging and Lab Tests (if needed)

  • X-rays, ultrasound, or CT/MRI scans are conducted very carefully only in cases of structural or internal issues.
  • Urine tests, and blood cultures are done to diagnose infections like sepsis or meningitis.

5. Observation in NICU

  • If the newborn is having life threatening conditions they are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for close observation and specialized testing.

6. Pregnancy and Birth Review

  • Mother’s health during pregnancy
  • Any complications that have risen during delivery
  • Premature birth
  • History of congenital defects in the family.

Early diagnosis helps in timely treatment and helps in better outcomes for problems in newborns.

For expert pediatric care and management of newborn problems, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the treatments for newborn problems?


Treatment for newborn problems are tailored based on the specific condition, its severity. Below are common treatments for newborn problems:

1. Respiratory Distress Syndrome- Breathing Problems

  • Oxygen therapy
  • Ventilator support
  • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
  • In premature babies – Surfactant therapy to help with lung function.

2. Jaundice

  • Phototherapy – The newborn is exposed to light that helps break down bilirubin.
  • In severe cases exchange transfusion is done.

3. Treating Infections

  • Antibiotics
  • Antiviral medications
  • IV fluids
  • Oxygen
  • Temperature regulation

4. Hypoglycemia – Low Blood Sugar

  • The baby is continuously fed to maintain the sugar levels.
  • If the sugar is too low IV fluids are given.

5. Premature Birth

  • NICU care
  • The newborn is placed in incubators for temperature control.
  • Nutritional support through IV or feeding tubes
  • Continuous treating and monitoring of breathing, infections, and growth

6. Birth defects or Genetic Conditions

  • Surgery is done for any structural problems like heart defects, cleft lip etc.
  • Medications to correct hormonal or metabolic conditions
  • Working with specific specialists

7. Feeding Difficulties

  • Lactation support
  • Use of special feeding bottles/tubes
  • External nutritional supplementation if needed

8. Birth Injuries

  • For nerve or muscle damage physical therapy.
  • Pain management.
  • Supportive care.
  • Surgery, if structural repair is needed.

9. Ongoing Monitoring

  • Regular development growth and checks
  • Early intervention services for developmental delays
  • Speech, motor, cognitive therapies at early stages

For expert pediatric care and management of newborn problems, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How to prevent newborn problems?


Preventing newborn problems is possible with good prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and proper newborn care. Here are key strategies:
  1. Regular Prenatal Care
  2. Healthy Maternal Lifestyle
  3. Proper Management of Maternal Conditions
  4. Infection Prevention
  5. Safe Delivery Practices
  6. Immediate Newborn Care
  7. Newborn Screening
  8. Education and Support
  9. Avoid Preterm Birth

If the mother is healthy during her pregnancy then they can give birth to healthy children. Preventing newborn problems starts with safe delivery and proper care after birth.

For expert pediatric care and management of newborn problems, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and management of newborn problems, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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