Bruising in Newborns: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
Many babies look a little less than perfect in the first few days or weeks after birth. Sometimes they can have bruising or swelling. Their eyes may look puffy. Or they may have blood spots in the whites of their eyes. They also can have flat blood spots on their skin called petechiae (say "puh-TEE-kee-eye"). And they may have jaundice. This can make the skin and eyes look yellowish.
All of these things are common in newborn babies. Your newborn should soon get that cute and healthy baby look.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- There's nothing special you need to do for your newborn baby. The bruising, swelling, and blood spots should soon go away on their own.
- If your baby's skin or eyes look yellow, your doctor probably will ask you to keep checking your baby at home to make sure the jaundice is going away. For dark-skinned babies, gently press on your baby's skin on the forehead, nose, or chest. Then when you lift your finger, check to see if the skin looks yellow.
- All newborns should receive vitamin K in the first 6 hours after birth to lower the risk of severe bleeding. Learn more about vitamin K for newborns.
When should you call for help?
- Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your baby is very sleepy or hard to wake up.
- There is a new or increasing yellow tint to your baby's skin or the whites of the eyes.
- Your baby has new bruises or blood spots under the skin.
- There's blood in your baby's stool.
Watch closely for changes in your baby's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if your baby has any problems.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter A734 in the search box to learn more about "Bruising in Newborns: Care Instructions".
Adaptation Date: 09/13/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
