Signs of Hypoglycemia in Newborns
Hypoglycemia is a condition that is characterized by low blood sugar levels. While uncommon in newborn infants, it occasionally does occur due to the excess insulin in a mother's bloodstream brought about by a diabetic condition. Symptoms of low blood sugar may be confused with other conditions, but testing for hypoglycemia in newborns is easily accomplished with a blood test.
Moro Reflex
The Moro reflex is also known as the "startle reflex." This reflex causes infants to throw their arms and legs out from their bodies when they hear a loud noise. The Moro reflex tends to be exaggerated in newborn infants with low blood sugar and, therefore, can be considered a sign of hypoglycemia.
Feeding
Newborns with hypoglycemia may also have feeding problems. These infants may have a weak ability to suckle and have trouble nursing. Newborn babies with low blood sugar may even refuse to eat altogether. When in a newborn are extremely low, and the baby refuses to nurse, glucose may be administered through an IV.
Temperature
Low blood sugar levels in a newborn may also be evident in the infant's body temperature. These infants may have trouble regulating their own body temperatures, as evidenced by wild temperature fluctuations. Newborns with hypoglycemia are prone to extremely low body temperatures, also known as hypothermia.
Energy
A newborn infant with hypoglycemia will typically exhibit lethargy. Hypotonia is a lack of muscle strength and can also be a symptom of hypoglycemia in a newborn. Conversely, jitteriness, irritability and tremors can also signal the presence of low blood sugar in an infant.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar include unhealthy color, breathing and crying. A newborn with hypoglycemia may have an unusually high-pitched cry or may even be blue-tinged. Low blood sugar can also cause the newborn to experience apnea, which is when the infant stops breathing periodically, as well as tachypnea, when the infant breathes extremely rapidly.
Tags: blood sugar, with hypoglycemia, blood sugar levels, sugar levels, , also known, body temperatures