Even outwardly healthy newborns may have these hidden illnesses; a doctor explains how to identify them.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Becoming a parent is everyone's dream, and it's also a crucial stage in life. Every parent wants their newborn to be completely healthy and fit. Children are usually born healthy, but sometimes some children have congenital disorders or physical deficiencies.

Even today, very few people are fully aware of this, and therefore, to raise awareness, January is designated as Birth Defect Awareness Month. These birth defects can be related to heart structure, organ development, or other bodily functions. Dr. Anil Batra, Director of Neonatology at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Sector 20, Faridabad, explains this in detail. 

Diagnosis of birth disorders in newborns 

Doctors say that congenital defects or diseases in children are often detected at birth or within a few days. However, some problems become apparent as the child grows older. If these problems are identified early, timely treatment is easier. These commonly include heart defects, cleft lip or palate, and spinal problems.

physical appearance problems

• Cleft lip and palate: Sometimes a baby has a hole in the upper lip or inside the mouth (palate). This is visible immediately after birth and can be completely repaired with surgery. These babies have difficulty breastfeeding, so they are fed with a special bottle. If the baby's jaw is small, the tongue can cause breathing problems due to the retraction, so it's important to check for it.
• Foot and abdominal problems: Some children have inward-curving feet, a condition called clubfoot. In severe cases, the abdominal wall is not properly formed, and the intestines protrude outside the body. In such cases, immediate surgery is required.
• Spinal and anal problems: In conditions like spina bifida, the spinal cord is left exposed or forms a sac-like structure in the baby's back. Additionally, if the baby's anus is not formed or is in the wrong place, it may need to be corrected with surgery.

Heart problems

According to doctors, symptoms of congenital heart disease often don't appear immediately. Doctors may only hear a different sound in the heartbeat. However, if the baby turns blue (cyanosis), is breathing very rapidly, or isn't feeding properly, it could be a sign of heart disease. Serious problems related to the arteries are often detected within hours of birth due to shortness of breath and low oxygen levels.

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