When to Call Your Doctor
Many parents of premature babies worry about what is normal and what is an emergency for their baby. It is important to understand what is and isn't normal so that you will know when to call your doctor. The information below is only a suggestion, so be sure to talk to your doctor about this subject. Many neonatal units offer teaching to parents prior to discharge, try to attend these parent classes as they are an excellent opportunity to obtain vital information and also an opportunity to have discussions with nursing and medical staff.
At first, you should call your doctor or nurse about any concerns. In time, you will begin to understand your baby's signs and know when there is a problem.
Some common signs that your baby may be getting sick include:
- refuses to eat or eats very little
- cries often or for a long time
- sleeps more and is less active
- cannot sleep and is fussy
- coughs often or for a long time
- vomits or spits up often
- breathes faster or harder, with chest rising and falling
- has wet stools or many bowel movements
- dry nappies
The following are normal for most babies and should not usually cause concern:
- hiccups
- sneezes
- yawns
- occasional spitting up
- forcing or strain when having a bowel movement (if the stool is soft)
- chin or lip quivering
- passing gas
- trembling or shaking arms and legs when crying
- startled by noises
- stuffy nose in dry weather
Reprinted with permission from "Your Premature Baby and Child" by Amy E. Tracy and Dianne I. Maroney (Berkley, 1999).
Call your doctor right away if your baby:
- has a fever over 37.5°C (99.5°F) and is under six months corrected age
- has had a fever for over three days (even if they look well)
- is sleeping poorly for two nights in a row
- shows signs of not enough fluids: less urine (pee) or dark urine, sunken eyes, little movement, dry mouth
- has only half as many wet nappies as usual
- has not had a bowel movement for over three days
- has purple spots on the skin that may look like blood blisters
- has a fever with joint swelling (or does not move one or more limbs)
- keeps crying for one hour when you are trying to help him stop
- cannot be woken up from a sleep
- has a change in breathing: nostrils open wide, breathing only through the mouth, chest moving far up and down, very runny nose, or coughing often
- is acting unusual and you are concerned
Reprinted with permission from "Your Premature Baby and Child" by Amy E. Tracy and Dianne I. Maroney (Berkley, 1999).