Hypoglycemia in a Newborn Baby

Newborns can develop health issues that call for immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. One such is hypoglycemia. It is a metabolic condition where a drop is noticed in the patient’s blood glucose level. Blood glucose is the sugar that acts as the main fuel for different bodily functions, including those of the brain. Read on to gain complete knowledge about what causes hypoglycemia in a newborn baby, with insights shared by the Top 10 Child Specialists in Delhi.

Causes of Hypoglycemia in a Newborn Baby

Newborns commonly suffer from hypoglycemia due to the following reasons:

1. Physiological transition- At birth, after the doctor cuts the umbilical cord, the baby no longer gets supplied with placental glucose. That causes an initial, short fall in the blood glucose level of the baby. 

2. Poor feeding- Newborns who are not properly fed will have a blood lack of glucose deficiency.

3. More insulin- Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. High insulin levels reduce blood sugar.

Risk Factors of Hypoglycemia in Newborns

• Pre-term birth, especially low birth weight

• Growth-restricted birth- small/large growth of the baby for gestational age

• Significant stress at the time of birth

• A diabetic or poorly nourished mother during her pregnancy

• Mothers taking certain medicines like terbutaline

• Severe hemolytic disease of the newborn- the unmatched blood type of the mother and newborn

• Congenital defects that cause hormonal deficiencies or metabolic diseases

• Birth asphyxia- deprived oxygen level at birth

• Infection

• Liver disease.

Signs of Hypoglycemia in a Newborn Baby

• Low core temperature/ difficulty in keeping body warm

• Shaking body or tremors

• Pale or bluish colored skin and lips

• Pause in breathing- sleep apnea

• Poor muscle tone

• Irritability

• Less interest in feeding

• Lethargy

• Seizures.

When To Hurry in Seeing a Paediatrician for Hypoglycemia in Newborns?

Hypoglycemia in a newborn is a medical emergency. Ignoring the signs can lead to serious complications like seizures and even permanent brain damage. On seeing any above-mentioned signs in your newborn, seek the immediate attention of a paediatrician for diagnosis and treatment.

How Can a Paediatrician Help?

A paediatrician will first order a simple blood test to check for blood sugar and confirm hypoglycemia.

Depending on the newborn’s general health and gestational age, any of the following treatments are recommended:

• Application of fast-acting oral glucose gel on the gums of newborns.

• Increased breastfeeding or formula feeding

• IV supply of glucose solution (only in severe cases of hypoglycemia)

• After the treatment, the newborn is regularly monitored to check for a stable blood glucose level.

Take Action Now.

See signs of hypoglycemia in your newborn? Hurry and take your child to Dr. Promilla Butani, a top-rated paediatrician and Best Child Specialist in Delhi for consultation and to provide your newborn with care and enhanced well being.