Hemolytic disease of the newborn: when to get help
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 the baby has pauses in breathing, blue or gray skin, a seizure, marked limpness, severe arching of the body, or cannot be woken.
These signs need immediate care.
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
Contact the baby's healthcare team promptly if jaundice is increasing, feeding is becoming harder, the baby looks paler, or the baby is sleepier than usual.
These symptoms may require a same-day bilirubin or blood count check.
Seek urgent medical assessment if a newborn:
Develops jaundice during the first 24 hours after birth
Is difficult to wake or cannot stay awake for feeds
Feeds much less than usual
Has fewer wet diapers than expected
Becomes increasingly pale or yellow
Breathes quickly or appears to struggle with breathing
During an at-risk pregnancy, contact the maternity unit urgently for reduced fetal movement, bleeding, significant abdominal injury, or any other symptom covered by the pregnancy care plan.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Keep all planned follow-up appointments, even if the baby appears well.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hemolytic disease of the newborn. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.