1. Spasm that look like seizures: Nervous about spasms while baby sleeps? It's likely benign sleep myoclonus—a harmless phenomenon similar to hiccups.
When to worry: If you see signs of a true seizure—abnormal eye movement, breathing trouble, turning blue, or lasting 5 minutes or more—go to the E.R.
2. Stuffy nose and abnormal breathing: Remember "delightful" pregnancy congestion? Now baby has it! Estrogen clogs tiny nasal passages, even months after birth.
When to worry: Don't ignore respiratory distress signs like flaring nostrils or the chest or tummy pulling in.
3. Noticeable breasts in boys: Estrogen strikes again, with infant breast swelling. (Note: It's often one-sided!)
When to worry: Redness, tenderness, or fever are signs of infection, so seek help.
4. Bloody spit-up: It's scary , but rarely worrisome if baby, acting normal. It could be swallowed blood from mom's sore nipples or due to a small tear in the esophagus (from forceful spitting up).
When to worry: If baby appears ill, vomits lots of blood, spits up blood after a formula feeding, or projectile vomits, see a doctor immediately.
5. Orange-hued skin: It's not jaundice if baby's skin isn't yellow and if her eyes remain white. It's carotenemia, from eating beta-carotene-rich veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots.
When to worry: Honestly, never.
6. Erratic breathing: Rapid, then slow, breathing can look alarming, but "periodic breathing" is common in babies.
When to worry: If baby has a blue or gray color around her mouth or seems to be struggling to breathe, call your doctor immediately.
7. Constipation: It's fine for a baby to poop as infrequently as once a week.
When to worry: Talk yo your doc if baby's poop is hard, looks like pellets, or if she doesn't poop daily during the first month of life.
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