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Warning-sign checks

Infant of diabetic mother: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if your baby has a seizure, stops breathing, turns blue or grey, is extremely difficult to wake, or has severe breathing difficulty.

    A baby who is feeding normally and has completed hospital glucose monitoring does not usually need emergency care solely because the mother had diabetes.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    While your baby is in hospital, tell the newborn team promptly about shaking, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, colour changes, or breathing concerns.

    Staff can check glucose and assess other possible causes.

    After discharge, seek urgent same-day medical advice if your baby:

    • Repeatedly refuses feeds or cannot stay awake to feed
    • Becomes increasingly yellow, especially with poor feeding
    • Is unusually floppy, jittery, or much less responsive
    • Has fast, noisy, or laboured breathing
    • Has fewer wet nappies than expected or other signs of dehydration
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Keep routine newborn and primary care appointments even when your baby seems well.

    These visits check feeding, weight, jaundice, growth, and development.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Infant of diabetic mother. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.