1. Why does a newborn's weight decrease?
This is mainly because the baby consumes less after birth and excretes more fluids and feces, leading to physiological weight loss. Generally, the weight decreases by 3% to 7% of the birth weight and usually returns to the birth weight within 7 to 10 days. If the weight loss exceeds 10% or there is no increase in weight after 3 to 5 days post-birth, the cause should be investigated and corrected promptly.
2. Why does a newborn's skin turn yellow?
Newborn jaundice, also known as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, is a clinical phenomenon caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism in newborns, leading to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood and resulting in yellowing of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes. It is one of the common symptoms in newborns.
Newborn jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice: physiological jaundice usually appears 2 to 3 days after birth, peaks around one week, and generally resolves by two weeks. However, if jaundice appears early, progresses rapidly, reaches a severe level (jaundice extending to the limbs and palms), or resolves very slowly, it is necessary to be alert to the possibility of pathological jaundice.
3. Why do some newborns have milk teeth?
Some babies may have yellowish-white, grain-sized particles on either side of the midline of the upper jaw or at the gum margins, known as milk teeth. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that usually resolves on its own after several weeks or months and does not require special treatment.
4. Why do female babies have pseudo-menstruation?
Female babies aged 5 to 7 days may have blood-tinged discharge from the vagina, which is not much, and the baby does not show any other discomfort. This is a normal physiological phenomenon known as 'pseudo-menstruation' in newborn girls. This occurs because the baby has high levels of estrogen and progesterone while in the mother's womb, and after birth, the decline in these hormones causes withdrawal bleeding. This 'pseudo-menstruation' usually lasts for 2 to 4 days and then disappears on its own. If the vaginal bleeding is heavy or lasts longer, medical attention should be sought promptly.
5. Why can't a newborn's fingers be opened?
Newborns have immature brain development and poor muscle control in their hands, resulting in a dominance of flexor muscle contractions that keep the fingers curled, while the extensor muscles are relatively weak. This phenomenon of fingers being unable to open usually resolves by around 6 months of age.
6. Why shouldn't flash photography be used for newborns?
Taking photos of newborns with a flash after birth can be very harmful to the child. Babies have just come from a dark environment (the mother's womb) and are very sensitive to light. Their ability to adjust to strong light stimuli is not yet fully developed, so frequent exposure to strong light can damage the retinal nerves. Therefore, it is recommended not to use flash photography for babies and to avoid using overly bright lights in their bedrooms.
7. Why is breast milk considered the ideal nutrition for newborns?
Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients for a baby's growth and development, is rich and easily digestible and absorbable, and is at an appropriate temperature. The proteins, fats, and lactose in breast milk are best suited for newborn digestion and absorption; breast milk enhances the baby's immunity and strengthens their constitution; breastfeeding promotes the bond between mother and baby, supports the baby's growth and development, and aids in the recovery of new mothers. No formula on the market can replace it.
