Caring for Blue Babies

April 15th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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Methemoglobinemia or the blue baby syndrome affects infants. Their blood is not able to carry sufficient oxygen to all of the body cells and body tissues. This condition is caused by an increase in the amount of methemoglobin within the blood that circulates. This is an enzyme that the body continually produces and it does not carry oxygen. Although it is converted into hemoglobin which can carry oxygen, it needs methemoglobin reductase to do that. Most infants do not have enough of this reductase so an excess in methemoglobin may occur which can be fatal especially when it is not treated as soon as possible.

The baby blue syndrome may be caused by too much nitrates contained in drinking water. The substance goes into the digestive system and then may be absorbed into the blood stream. The nitrates then react to the hemoglobin which could result to high levels of methemoglobin. This can affect the tissues and the organs of infants especially when there is not much oxygen delivered. The infants develop some sort of a bluish coloring because of the deprivation of oxygen for an extended period of time which may have caused respiratory and digestive problems as well.

Other causes of this condition among babies may include congenital heart defects. There are also times when there are underlying causes which may not have been diagnosed correctly. Infants may undergo medication as well as careful monitoring or they may have to undergo open heart surgery. Some causes may be prevented like making sure that the drinking water is safe especially for babies under six months old. Parents can monitor the nitrate contents of their drinking water at home. Infants with congenital disorders may undergo treatment right after birth. Invasive cardiac surgeries though are only done when it is really necessary.

Treatment for blue baby syndrome is now available unlike before where infants have to die or suffer from it. Proper pre-natal care is important not only for monitoring the health of the mother but of the baby as well. Parents may not be able to detect right away if their babies are suffering from this problem because most likely, the bluish color may appear only when there is some physical exertion such as crying. Some congenial heart defects may also be observed when the babies are a little older. It is then necessary for parents especially for mothers to be observant about their infants while they are growing so it would be possible to treat the problem as early as possible.

 

 

 

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How a Developing Fetus Gets Oxygen and Nutrition

April 5th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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What women eat when they are pregnant will eventually be the source of nutrition for their developing babies inside their womb. The life-support system of the fetus depends on several temporary organs of the body. This includes the placenta, the umbilical cord and the amniotic sac. Women should eat healthy foods as much as possible not only for their own health benefits but for the health of their babies as well. Aside from the food that they eat, the bodies of pregnant women break down some of their muscle and their fat tissues and their bones as well to release proteins, fats and also calcium to sustain the needs of the developing fetus.

The umbilical cord of the fetus is connected to the placenta which absorbs the oxygen and the nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream.  The waste materials from the fetus goes to the placenta as well and then it is transferred back into the mother’s bloodstream for processing. When the developing fetus does not get sufficient nutrition, the placenta may increase in size in order to absorb more nutrients that the baby needs. Doctors may be able to determine if the fetus is receiving enough nutrients based on the size of the placenta. What pregnant women eat will be the source of nutrition for their babies so it is necessary that they consume extra nutrients that are needed for the normal growth and development of their babies prior to birth.

Some of these important nutrients include folic acid and iron which helps in the prevention of birth defects. Medical experts recommend about 300 additional caloric intake each day for the fetus’ development to be sustained. Pregnant women may include healthy snacks in between their regular meals so that their bodies and their babies will have enough source of nourishment. However, there are instances when problems may occur with the placenta. There are cases when placental abruption may happen where the placenta detaches itself off the uterine wall.

When this happens, premature birth may be expected to occur because there is no other way for nutrition and oxygen to be passed on to the fetus. Pregnant women who experience some vaginal bleeding have to see their doctors right away because it might signal problems such as placental abruption. Under normal circumstances the placenta is expelled right after the delivery of the baby. Doctors may also check and examine the placenta to make sure that there is no problem with the health conditions of the mother and the baby after the delivery.

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Caring for Babies’ Gums and Teeth

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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It is necessary for mothers to start helping their babies in practicing oral hygiene even before their first tooth has come out. Mothers can make use of a clean gauze material or a soft washcloth whenever they have to clean the gums of their babies. They may simply wrap it on their index finger and then wipe the gums of their babies by rubbing it gently. Although there are no teeth yet where bacteria may accumulate, it would be better to start early so the babies get used to the routine of cleaning their gums and mouth. Mothers would find it easier later to introduce the use of the toothbrush to clean their teeth.

It is also important that mothers select a toothbrush that is appropriate for babies. Some babies have their first tooth by the time they reach 6 months old while others may have it when they reach about a year. Mothers may use only a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride to clean the tooth or teeth of their babies. They will also have to clean the tongue part in order to remove any bacteria that may be thriving because it can cause bad breath later on when left on its own. Mothers may use dental floss if the surfaces of the teeth of their babies are touching each other but if they see that the teeth are still away from each other, there is no need to do it.

Babies will need enough fluoride to strengthen their tooth enamel in order to prevent the development of tooth decay. Mothers can give their babies water with fluoride and they can also use toothpaste that contains this mineral as well. However, mothers have to take note that babies below six months old do not really need to drink water with fluoride as they can get proper hydration from their breast milk or from their infant formula. They may use water with fluoride when preparing the infant formula. However, mothers should also be aware that too much fluoride is not good for their babies. Babies may develop fluorosis which shows as white spots on their teeth when they reach adulthood.

Mothers who are not sure whether they are giving their babies the right amount of fluoride may consult with their doctors. Medical experts may determine the amount of fluoride that should be given and they can also recommend some fluoride drops in case it is really needed by the babies. There are still other things that mothers should know especially in maintaining the oral hygiene of their babies. Mothers may start early in caring for the gums and for the first teeth of their babies in order to help them become healthier and stronger.

 

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