When a baby first leaves the mother's body and enters this colorful world, they may exhibit many physiological conditions different from adults. Many parents encounter these situations and often feel at a loss, thinking their baby is sick. For example, discovering white spots on the baby's palate; or noticing enlarged mammary glands in a baby boy. Such issues trouble inexperienced new parents. In fact, newborns naturally have many unique physiological conditions.
These Newborn Symptoms Are Not Illnesses (Public Health Network)
1. Weight Loss
This refers to physiological weight loss, distinct from weight loss caused by malnutrition or other factors. In the first few days after birth, newborns consume less food, lose significant fluids, and excrete waste, leading to weight loss. Typically, they lose 6% to 9% of their birth weight, generally not exceeding 10%.
As feeding increases, newborns typically regain their birth weight around day 10 postpartum, after which they enter a rapid growth phase. Daily weight monitoring is crucial during this developmental period. Mothers can use the Dora Maternal and Child Weight Management Scale to measure their baby's weight directly while holding them.
2. Physiological Jaundice
Some newborns develop yellowing of the skin and sclera 2–3 days after birth, peaking at 4–5 days and fading within 7–14 days. The baby feeds and eliminates normally. Parents should regularly observe the color of the baby's skin, mucous membranes, and sclera for signs of jaundice.
3. Breast Enlargement
Due to the influence of maternal estrogen on the fetus during late pregnancy, breast enlargement may occur in newborns within the first week after birth, affecting both boys and girls. A small number of newborns may produce milk. Avoid squeezing the breasts to prevent infection. This condition typically resolves within 2-3 weeks after birth.
4. Pseudomenstruation
Some female infants may exhibit slight bloody vaginal discharge 5-7 days after birth, lasting up to one week—known as pseudomenstruation. This occurs due to maternal estrogen influence. After leaving the womb, the baby's estrogen levels drop significantly, causing shedding of the uterine lining and epithelial tissue. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, so mothers need not be alarmed when noticing pseudomenstruation during diaper changes.
5. Ephelides (Milia)
Small yellowish-white spots often appear along the midline of the newborn's upper palate and the gum line, commonly called milia. These result from accumulated epithelial cells or mucous gland secretions and typically disappear on their own within weeks to months after birth. Do not pick at milia to avoid infection.
6. Milia
Tiny white or black bumps may appear on the tip of the nose, nostrils, and cheeks of newborns. These raised lesions are not pustules but result from the immature function of the newborn's sebaceous glands. They typically resolve on their own.