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 now if your baby:
Has a seizure or becomes unresponsive
Has severe difficulty breathing or repeated pauses in breathing
Develops blue or grey lips, tongue, or skin
Is very floppy or cannot be woken for feeding
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
If your baby is still in hospital, tell the newborn staff promptly about feeding difficulty, unusual sleepiness, shaking, colour changes, or breathing concerns.
Contact your baby's healthcare service the same day if your baby feeds much less than usual, repeatedly vomits, is increasingly sleepy, has fewer wet nappies, becomes jittery, or develops worsening yellow skin or eyes.
These signs have several possible causes and need assessment rather than being assumed to come from polycythemia.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when your baby is feeding and breathing normally but has a planned repeat blood test, jaundice check, weight check, or developmental review.
Attend these appointments even if there are no new symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Polycythemia - newborn. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.