24 phenomena in newborns are normal and there is no need to go to the hospital
When a baby is born, new parents often feel overwhelmed by this tiny, adorable new life. They can easily panic if they encounter any issues with their newborn.
Don’t worry, the following will sort out the common normal phenomena in newborns with detail to help new parents reduce their worries and embark on the road of parenting more calmly.
Breast -seeking reflex (phenomena in newborns)
When newborns are born, they often close their eyes and open and close their mouths, searching for something to drink. This is the suckling reflex. Once the mother’s nipple touches their cheek or lips, the little one will instantly make a sucking movement. This innate instinct is really amazing.
Swallowing reflex
Newborns have a swallowing reflex. During their fetal period, they often swallowed amniotic fluid in the mother’s womb, so after birth, whether they are fed or breastfed, they can swallow independently, which is really worry-free.
Startle reflex
Newborns are very prone to startle reflexes when they are sleeping or in a quiet state. Their arms and legs will suddenly twitch and shake. This is because their nervous system is not yet fully developed, and external stimuli will trigger such nerve reflexes. As they grow, this phenomenon will gradually decrease.
Physiological jaundice ( a common phenomena in newborns)
Many newborns experience physiological jaundice. This is due to their liver’s poor ability to metabolize bilirubin, increased red blood cell destruction, and incomplete enterohepatic circulation. Consequently, the baby’s sclera and skin may appear yellow.
It usually appears 2-3 days after birth, reaches its peak on the 4-5th day, and begins to subside on the 5-7th day. It usually lasts no more than 2 weeks and does not require special treatment.
However, if the jaundice is severe within 24 hours of birth, or recurs after subsiding, and the baby is in poor spirits and has no appetite, then it is pathological jaundice and you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Horse Teeth (phenomena in newborns)
Small yellowish-white particles resembling tooth tissue will appear on the midline of the upper palate and gums. These are ivory follicles. Your baby may become irritable and unwilling to eat due to slight itching and discomfort.
Don’t worry, most horse teeth will disappear naturally after a few weeks. But be sure not to pick at them to avoid infection.
Mantis Mouth
The raised fat pads on both sides of a newborn’s cheeks are called mantis mouths. They are a good helper for the baby to suck and swallow, and they will gradually disappear as the baby grows and do not require special treatment.
Breast enlargement (phenomena in newborns)
Newborns may experience breast enlargement 4-7 days after birth . Whether a baby is a boy or a girl, breast size varies, ranging from bean-sized to walnut-sized. This is due to the cessation of estrogen production after birth. There are generally no other symptoms, and the enlargement gradually subsides after 14-21 days.
False menstruation
If the baby is a girl, a small amount of bloody vaginal discharge may appear 5-7 days after birth. This is called false menstruation. It is also caused by estrogen interruption and will resolve on its own after about 7 days.
Edema
Due to differences between the uterine environment and the natural environment, most newborns experience mild edema in their hands, feet, abdomen, eye sockets, and other areas 3-5 days after birth. Don’t worry; this edema is mild and short-lived, and will naturally subside within 2-3 days .
Weight loss (a common phenomena in newborns)
Newborns will experience a slight weight loss 2-4 days after birth , generally no more than 10% . This is normal and will begin to rebound after 4 days, returning to their birth weight around 10 days after birth.
Neonatal Milia
After birth, babies may develop a small rash called miliary rash on the tip of their noses . This rash is caused by an accumulation of sebum due to overactive sebaceous glands. These small rashes are painless and will disappear naturally after a few weeks. Never squeeze them.
Vernix caseosa
Full-term newborns have a layer of grayish-white sebum covering their skin. This is vernix caseosa. It protects the baby’s delicate skin and is unevenly distributed. Don’t worry; it disappears naturally over time and doesn’t require wiping.
Physiological peeling
A few days or weeks after birth, your newborn may start to peel on their face and body. This is normal as long as your baby is eating and sleeping well.
During the peeling period, you can apply moisturizing oil or cream to your baby’s skin to keep it moisturized. Never peel the skin, as this can easily lead to infection. If the peeling is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or blisters, you should see a doctor.
Stork Bites
Many babies are born with an irregular red area on the back of their neck, eyelids, or nose. This is called a stork bite. It’s actually composed of a cluster of capillaries and usually disappears on its own by the time the baby is about 18 months old. No special intervention is required.
Irregular breathing ( a common phenomena in newborns)
Newborns often breathe faster and slower because their chests are smaller and they can exchange less gas with each breath, so they need to breathe more frequently to get enough oxygen.
Also, the central nervous system of a newborn is not yet fully developed. As long as the baby’s skin looks rosy, irregular breathing is normal.
Loose stools in newborns (a common phenomena in newborns)
Breastfed babies often have loose, golden-yellow stools. The frequency of bowel movements varies widely, ranging from 1-4 to 7-8 or even more. As long as your baby is in good spirits, eating well, and gaining weight normally, don’t mistake loose stools for diarrhea.
Vomiting (a common phenomena in newborns)
Babies under three months old have underdeveloped cardia muscles and a small stomach capacity, making them prone to spitting up after feedings. When feeding, mothers should try to use sitting or semi-recumbent positions. Burp the baby promptly after feeding and then place the baby in a right-side recumbent position. Generally speaking, spitting up in most babies gradually improves by around six months of age .
Green Meconium
Most newborns pass their first stool within 12-24 hours after birth. This is meconium, a dark green, sticky substance that is produced in the womb.
Bowel sounds (a common phenomena in newborns)
The baby’s abdominal wall is thinner and the intestinal peristalsis is faster, so there are often gurgling sounds in the stomach. This is a normal phenomenon, indicating that the baby’s intestines are functioning normally.
White spots in the mouth
Epithelial beads are small, off-white dots about the size of a pinhead or a grain of rice, visible near the midline of a newborn’s upper palate . They have no adverse effects on the baby and will disappear naturally over time.
Sucking bubbles
Sometimes, small blisters may appear between a baby’s upper and lower lips. This is caused by the baby’s sucking action and is not related to feeding methods or “heatiness”. It is a normal physiological phenomenon. As the baby grows older and the intervals between feedings increase, the blisters will disappear.
Large abdomen
A newborn’s belly may appear larger because their abdominal muscles are underdeveloped and their abdominal wall is loose, making it more susceptible to gastrointestinal distension. As long as your baby is eating and sleeping well, is in good spirits, and their belly feels soft, there’s no need to worry.
However, if the baby is allergic to milk protein or lactose intolerant, abdominal distension may also occur, and it is usually accompanied by other discomfort symptoms such as skin allergies and diarrhea. At this time, parents must find out the cause and treat it accordingly.
Physiological curvature of limbs
While in the womb, the fetus’ limbs are bent. After birth, although they can stretch freely, the lower legs will still have a slight curvature, resembling an “O” shape. This is a normal physiological curvature and should never be forcibly “corrected” by wrapping them in candles.
Visual and auditory characteristics
Newborns have some vision, but it’s blurry, so they can’t see objects clearly. However, if something moves, their line of sight will follow. Furthermore, newborns have very sensitive hearing, so even the slightest sound can catch their attention.
After new parents understand these common normal phenomena of newborns, they will be able to have a clearer idea of parenting, be more adept at it, and raise their babies better.
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