Intraventricular hemorrhage 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
Seek emergency help after discharge if your baby:
Stops breathing, turns blue or gray, or is very difficult to wake
Has a seizure or repeated unexplained jerking
Suddenly becomes limp, unresponsive, or markedly less alert
Has repeated vomiting with a bulging soft spot or unusual sleepiness
Contact your baby's follow-up team promptly, but not necessarily as an emergency, if you notice increasing feeding difficulty, unusual stiffness or floppiness, loss of a skill, or concerns about vision, hearing, movement, or development.
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
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 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
A newborn with suspected IVH needs prompt assessment in a neonatal setting.
If your baby is already in the NICU, tell the bedside team immediately about any new movement, color, breathing, or alertness change.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Keep routine appointments for head measurements, developmental checks, hearing tests, eye examinations, and imaging when arranged.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Intraventricular hemorrhage of the newborn. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.