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Did Your Newborn Suffer Cerebral
Palsy or Another Brain Injury Before
or During Labor and Delivery?

Learn More

Our Birth Brain Injury Resource Guide

the guide

Get a FREE guide of resources available throughout Ohio to children and families of children who were born with brain injuries.

Our guide can help you build a foundation of knowledge and tools that will help you help your child
now and in the future.

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Infections that Can Affect Your Baby

A newborn often seems delicate and in danger of developing a cold, infection or other condition. While most of the conditions that babies get are cleared up quickly, a few can have effects that you need to be aware of.

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Elk & Elk

Bacterial Infections

Many infections are bacterial in nature, and a mother’s milk can help provide critical antibodies to help infants fight. These infections can get worse fast and may require treatment.

Common bacterial infections:

  • Gastro-intestinal infections – bacteria get in the digestive tract of the baby, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. The baby may become fussy because of a stomachache.
  • Conjunctivitis – bacterial infection of the eyes, which causes the lids to become inflamed and a yellow discharge to occur, which may lead to the eyes being stuck shut.
  • Streptococcal infection – a strep infection transfers from the mother to the baby during birth. Complications can occur, such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
  • Listeriosis – this is a kind of food poisoning, which can be passed from the mother to the baby. It can be life-threatening to the infant.

Babies can get a bacterial infection before birth or during birth if they come into contact with bacteria. They may also get an infection through colds and flu. Early treatment is important to prevent long-term effects.

It’s important to get medical attention right away if you suspect a bacterial infection in your newborn. The situation can deteriorate quickly. It can be difficult to tell with a newborn if they aren’t feeling well. They will be extra sleepy and may be irritable even when you’ve checked the normal issues. They may cry constantly and not be able to be consoled. They often don’t eat well and may have problems breathing. A fever often accompanies an infection and their skin may develop a rash.

A doctor will usually conduct a test to diagnose a bacterial infection. Once the test comes back positive, they may prescribe an antibiotic and even recommend IV fluids if the infant won’t eat or can’t keep anything in the stomach.

Viral Infections

Babies can also suffer from a viral infection. The most common of these are the influenza or flu, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. According to an article from the US National Library of Medicine in the National Institutes of Health, viral infections are the number one cause of death in children under five years of age.

The infant may show signs by poor feeding, lethargy and a fever. If the infection is in the lower respiratory tract, it may be accompanied by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

Depending on the cause of the infection, the doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug. Much of the time, they will recommend a decongestant to help with breathing and watch that the little one gets enough fluids.

Some studies indicate that babies who suffer from a viral infection are at a higher risk later on for asthma and other respiratory issues. Early diagnosis for either the viral or bacterial infection is critical. Don’t hesitate to take your baby to the doctor if they don’t seem well.

Elk & Elk

Bacterial Infections

Many infections are bacterial in nature, and a mother’s milk can help provide critical antibodies to help infants fight. These infections can get worse fast and may require treatment.

Common bacterial infections:

  • Gastro-intestinal infections – bacteria get in the digestive tract of the baby, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. The baby may become fussy because of a stomachache.
  • Conjunctivitis – bacterial infection of the eyes, which causes the lids to become inflamed and a yellow discharge to occur, which may lead to the eyes being stuck shut.
  • Streptococcal infection – a strep infection transfers from the mother to the baby during birth. Complications can occur, such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
  • Listeriosis – this is a kind of food poisoning, which can be passed from the mother to the baby. It can be life-threatening to the infant.

Babies can get a bacterial infection before birth or during birth if they come into contact with bacteria. They may also get an infection through colds and flu. Early treatment is important to prevent long-term effects.

It’s important to get medical attention right away if you suspect a bacterial infection in your newborn. The situation can deteriorate quickly. It can be difficult to tell with a newborn if they aren’t feeling well. They will be extra sleepy and may be irritable even when you’ve checked the normal issues. They may cry constantly and not be able to be consoled. They often don’t eat well and may have problems breathing. A fever often accompanies an infection and their skin may develop a rash.

A doctor will usually conduct a test to diagnose a bacterial infection. Once the test comes back positive, they may prescribe an antibiotic and even recommend IV fluids if the infant won’t eat or can’t keep anything in the stomach.

Viral Infections

Babies can also suffer from a viral infection. The most common of these are the influenza or flu, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. According to an article from the US National Library of Medicine in the National Institutes of Health, viral infections are the number one cause of death in children under five years of age.

The infant may show signs by poor feeding, lethargy and a fever. If the infection is in the lower respiratory tract, it may be accompanied by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

Depending on the cause of the infection, the doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug. Much of the time, they will recommend a decongestant to help with breathing and watch that the little one gets enough fluids.

Some studies indicate that babies who suffer from a viral infection are at a higher risk later on for asthma and other respiratory issues. Early diagnosis for either the viral or bacterial infection is critical. Don’t hesitate to take your baby to the doctor if they don’t seem well.