Growth and Development, Newborn

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you notice anything that concerns you. You are the expert on your baby. Although usually everything is fine, do not be afraid to contact your doctor for any reason.

Physical problems to watch for in your newborn include:

• An umbilical cord stump that looks infected, as is indicated by pus or reddened skin at the base of the cord.
• Signs of dehydration, such as not urinating at least 4 times in 24 hours.
• Not having regular bowel movements. Newborns younger than 2 weeks should have at least 1 or 2 bowel movements a day. Babies older than 2 weeks can go 2 days and sometimes longer between bowel movements. It’s usually okay if it takes longer than 2 days, especially if your baby is feeding well and seems comfortable.
• Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) that has not improved by 4 days after birth. For more information, see the topics Jaundice in Newborns and Newborn Rashes and Skin Conditions.

Be sure to call your doctor if your newborn:

• Cries in a peculiar manner or for an unusual length of time.
• Son has circumcision problems. Signs may include greater-than-expected bleeding at the circumcision site, a bloodstained area larger than the size of a grape on his diaper or wound dressing, or signs of infection (such as swelling and redness). For more information, see the topic Circumcision.
• Has a rectal temperature less than 97.8°F (36.6°C) or more than 100.4°F (38°C).
• Is rarely awake and does not wake up for feedings, or seems too tired or uninterested to eat.

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the following:

• Your baby seems to be acting odd, even though you can't identify exactly what concerns you.
• You feel that you are unable to nurture your newborn.
• You feel that you are unable to emotionally connect with your newborn. Although it is normal to feel some distance at first, you should develop increasing feelings for your baby during the first week or two.
• You think you might be depressed.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: March 19, 2009
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Kimberly Dow, MD, FRCPC - Neonatology
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