Within a week to a month of birth, babies may experience some peculiar changes in their bodies. Some peculiar changes are actually normal physiological phenomena, and these changes are telling parents one thing: our baby is slowly growing. So what are the unique changes in the newborn baby’s body?
Physiological jaundice refers to the appearance of yellow staining on the skin and eyeballs of newborns 2-3 days after birth, reaching its peak 4-6 days after birth. Full term newborns subside within two weeks, while premature infants subside within 3-4 weeks. In mild cases, jaundice can be limited to the face, neck, and trunk, with a light yellow color. In severe cases, it can affect the entire body.
Except for jaundice, newborns are generally in good condition, with normal feeding, sleeping, and bowel movements. Physiological jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon in newborns, caused by an increase in unbound bilirubin in the serum. After birth, newborns begin to breathe autonomously and establish pulmonary circulation. With sufficient oxygen supply, excessive red blood cells in the body begin to be destroyed. Hemoglobin is broken down and produces a large amount of unbound bilirubin. Due to the immature liver enzymes of newborns, unbound bilirubin cannot be metabolized by the liver and excreted from the body, accumulating more and more in the body, resulting in yellowing of tissues such as skin and mucous membranes. As the destruction of red blood cells decreases and liver enzymes mature, unconjugated bilirubin is gradually metabolized and excreted from the body through the intestine and urinary tract, and jaundice gradually decreases and disappears.
Tips: Physiological jaundice does not require special treatment. Physiological jaundice in premature infants subsides slowly, and infection and hypoxia can also delay its resolution. If necessary, blue light can be used.
At 3-5 days after birth, both men and women may sometimes experience breast enlargement, the size of a broad bean or apricot kernel, and sometimes a small amount of milky pale yellow liquid may also be seen flowing out. These phenomena often confuse young parents and even feel anxious. In fact, it is normal for newborns to experience breast enlargement and lactation, and parents do not need to worry.
The cause of breast enlargement and lactation in newborns is due to the fetus receiving corresponding hormones from the mother through the placenta before birth. If progesterone is obtained from the mother, it can stimulate the enlargement and filling of the newborn’s breasts; Prolactin can promote breast lactation in newborns. Neonatal breast enlargement and lactation are temporary physiological phenomena that will naturally disappear after 2-3 weeks, with very few lasting for more than a month.
Tips: Neonatal breast enlargement is a unique physiological phenomenon during the neonatal period. Parents do not need to undergo any treatment, especially do not apply heat, massage, or compress. Over time, the enlarged breasts of newborns will disappear on their own.
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Page 3: Neonatal respiratory instability
Page 1: Neonatal breast enlargement
Page 2: Neonatal temperature instability
Page 3: Neonatal respiratory instability
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