Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if your baby has severe trouble breathing, turns blue or grey, becomes unresponsive or has another immediately life-threatening change.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
While your baby is in the NICU, tell the nurse promptly about any change that concerns you.
Continuous monitoring does not replace information from parents and caregivers.
After discharge, contact the healthcare team urgently for:
Green vomit or repeated vomiting
A firm, increasingly swollen or painful-looking abdomen
Poor feeding or a sudden drop in feeding
Fever or an unusually low temperature, using the hospital’s thresholds
Redness, swelling, discharge or opening at the wound
Fewer wet nappies, unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking
No stool together with vomiting or abdominal swelling
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Questions about mild spit-up, stool patterns, scar appearance, feeding plans or routine growth can usually wait for the surgical or primary care follow-up appointment unless symptoms are worsening.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gastroschisis repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.