Neonatal hypoglycemia corresponds to the decrease in the blood glucose levels of the baby that can be perceived in the period between 24 and 72 hours after birth. This condition is more common in babies born premature, large or small for gestational age, or whose mother had inadequate nutrition during pregnancy.
Neonatal hypoglycaemia is considered when:
- Glucose is below 40 mg / dL in full-term babies, ie, at the right time;
- Glucose is below 30 mg / dL in preterm infants .
The diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycemia is made within 72 hours after birth from the measurement of glucose concentration in the baby. It is important that the diagnosis be made as soon as possible so that treatment can be started and thus avoid complications such as permanent brain damage and even death.
Signals and symptons
The signs and symptoms presented by the newborn and that may be indicative of neonatal hypoglycemia are:
- Excessive sleep;
- Cyanosis, in which the baby's skin turns blue;
- Change in heart rate;
- Weakness;
- Respiratory change.
In addition, if neonatal hypoglycemia is not controlled, there may be some complications, such as coma, brain impairment, learning disability, and even death. Therefore, it is important that the diagnosis be made within the first hours after birth and, if it is not done but the symptoms appear after a few days of birth, it is important to go to the pediatrician to have the diagnosis done and to start treatment . Know the consequences of hypoglycemia.
Causes of neonatal hypoglycemia
The causes of neonatal hypoglycemia are related to the habits and health condition of the mother. The baby is more likely to have hypoglycemia when the mother suffers from gestational diabetes, makes use of alcohol or medication during pregnancy, does not have controlled diabetes, and has inadequate nutrition, for example.
In addition, the baby may have low glycogen stores or excessive insulin production, which is more common in newborns of diabetic mothers, with feeding occurring every 2 to 3 hours as indicated by the pediatrician.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia is established by the pediatrician and breastfeeding is usually indicated every 3 hours, and the baby should be woken up if necessary, so that glucose levels can be regularized more easily. If breastfeeding is not enough to regulate the baby's glucose levels, it may be necessary to give glucose directly into the vein.
