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
This is urgent follow-up, although the baby may appear well and may not need an emergency department.
Call emergency services if the baby has trouble breathing, turns blue or grey, has a seizure, becomes limp, or is extremely difficult to wake.
These signs can occur with many serious newborn conditions and need immediate assessment.
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
An abnormal newborn screening result needs prompt follow-up.
Contact the newborn screening team, maternity service, or baby's clinician the same day if you were told that confirmatory testing is needed but have not received a clear plan.
Seek prompt medical advice if a baby:
Is feeding much less than usual
Is becoming increasingly sleepy
Has repeated vomiting or cannot keep medicine down
Develops worsening or prolonged jaundice
Misses several doses of levothyroxine
Has possible signs of too much hormone, such as persistent rapid heartbeat or marked irritability
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine questions about giving medicine, arranging blood tests, feeds, supplements, or mild constipation can usually be discussed with the baby's regular clinical team during office hours.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Neonatal hypothyroidism. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.