Practice 7: Danger Signs in Newborns

Recognize danger signs in newborns and take them to the health care provider for immediate treatment.

• Ask the mother if she and her family know about danger signs in newborns.
• Ask her if she knows where to take the baby in case of danger signs.
• Listen attentively.

• Appreciate if the woman/family consulted a doctor for newborn checkup or intends to do so.
• If not, discuss why? For example, they think that TBA is the best option or, they don’t know about newborn danger signs.

• Help woman/family learn the newborn danger signs.
• For example, counting baby’s respiratory rate, noting the skin color, or identifying convulsions etc

• Danger signs in Baby:
  • Not feeding properly
  • Skin color turning blue/purple
  • Convulsions
  • Premature birth (before the 35th week)
  • Troubled breathing
  • Baby is lethargic
  • Very low or very high body temperature.
  • 10 or more pustules on the skin
• If any of the danger signs are seen, the baby should be taken to the health facility immediately!