12 Astonishing Things That Will Amaze New Moms About Newborns

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Right after giving birth, many moms will be surprised by some truly 'strange' phenomena in newborns. Let's explore what they are and the reasons behind them. Should moms worry or not? Let's find out with Mytour.

1. Unusual Baby Heads:

If you pay attention, you will notice a significant change in the shape of the baby's head from the moment of birth to a few hours later. The newborn's head is cone-shaped because the soft bones and the gap in the skull can flex to make it easier for the baby to come out. This helps prevent injuries such as skull fractures and brain trauma in the newborn, so moms can rest assured.

2. Startled Babies:

After months of rolling around in the mother's belly, now the baby maintains the habit of pushing in the amniotic fluid. However, after being born, the baby cannot kick the feet into the mother's belly and turn around in the amniotic fluid easily, which leads to these startle reflexes.

3. Enlarged Genitalia:

In reality, the genitalia of newborns may appear larger than usual due to swelling caused by the pressure exerted on the body during the birthing process, and amniotic fluid still present in the baby's tissues. In baby boys, the sex hormone makes the testicles enlarge, while in baby girls, it causes swelling of the labia. After a few days, the genitalia of the baby will return to normal, so moms can be reassured.

4. Rapid Hunger in Babies:

In the first few weeks after birth, just feeding the baby can take up all your time because babies get hungry very quickly. Feeding the baby frequently also helps the baby's milk glands develop to meet the baby's full breastfeeding needs. Moreover, breast milk is easily digestible, making the baby feel hungry quickly and always wanting to feed. Due to this increased intake, the baby's weight increases rapidly between 4 and 6 weeks of age.

5. Baby's Hands and Feet Feel Colder:

Because the circulatory system of newborns is not yet fully developed, blood is always prioritized to flow to the vital organs of the body first. Therefore, the hands and feet of the baby are often not prioritized and feel colder than other body parts. That's why moms should always put mittens and socks on to keep the baby warm.

6. Small “Mini Menstruation” in Baby Girls:

If you have a baby girl, there's no need to worry when you see minimal blood on the diaper; this is entirely normal and harmless. Baby girls go through this phase in the first few weeks of life, and it only lasts for a few days.

However, it's not fresh blood but a small amount of dark-colored fluid seen from the folds of the diaper. If you notice the baby urinating with fresh blood in large quantities, quickly take the baby to see a doctor.

7. Baby's Lips Have Scales:

When just born, a baby's skin is very soft and smooth. The lip skin of the baby stiffens to facilitate breastfeeding, and that's when some scale-like skin appears for an easier latch. After a few months, you won't feel the baby's lip scales anymore, and it will develop folds similar to an adult's lips.

8. Baby's Stool Is More Liquid:

Due to breastfeeding, where the majority of breast milk is liquid, a baby's stool can be loose, resembling diarrhea. Some babies may have bowel movements up to 10 times a day, but moms don't need to worry. As long as the baby is gaining weight normally and not crying due to bloating, everything is fine.

Newborns usually have bowel movements after eating because, as a reflex, when liquid food enters the stomach, waste is pushed out. However, moms should also pay attention to the frequency of feeding and the baby's bowel movements. If there are any unusual signs, take the baby to see a doctor as soon as possible.

9. Baby Sneezes Frequently:

Is frequent sneezing a sign of the baby having a cold or some other illness? Actually, it's just the baby's way of clearing the nose and keeping the respiratory passages open.

10. Baby's Skin Has Scales:

While in the mother's womb, the baby's skin has a protective layer called vernix caseosa. When exposed to air, due to friction and dryness, this layer will dry and begin to peel, most commonly on the baby's hands and feet. You don't need to try to clean off these scales; just apply moisturizer to the baby's skin, and the scales will peel off after 1 – 2 weeks post-birth.

11. Irregular Breathing in Babies:

Mothers often place their hands close to the baby's nose to check their breathing, but if you notice the baby's breathing rhythm is irregular, there's nothing to worry about. Sometimes, newborns breathe irregularly or pause, partly due to the development of their respiratory muscles and nervous system. It's considered normal for a baby to stop breathing for up to 20 seconds. Around 6 weeks of age, the baby's breathing will return to normal.

12. Every Baby's Cry Is the Same:

Perhaps this is an intriguing fact about newborns that you didn't know. In reality, when a newborn is hungry, tired, or uncomfortable, they all have a similar crying style. It's the baby's way of reacting to things that make them uncomfortable, considered as their first form of communication.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What unusual phenomena do newborns experience right after birth?

Newborns often display various unusual phenomena such as cone-shaped heads, startled reflexes, enlarged genitalia, and rapid hunger. These are normal and occur due to their transition from the womb to the outside world.

Why do newborns have colder hands and feet compared to the rest of their body?

Newborns have colder hands and feet because their circulatory systems are still developing. Blood flow is prioritized to vital organs, so extremities often feel cooler, making it important to keep them warm with mittens and socks.

Is it normal for baby girls to have a small amount of blood after birth?

Yes, it is normal for baby girls to experience a small amount of blood during the first few weeks of life. This phenomenon is harmless and results from hormonal changes, not fresh blood.

Why do newborns cry in a similar manner for different needs?

Newborns cry in a similar manner when hungry, tired, or uncomfortable because this is their primary form of communication. Their cries convey discomfort and signal to caregivers for attention and care.

How should parents respond to irregular breathing patterns in newborns?

Parents should not worry if their newborn's breathing appears irregular. This is common and usually resolves itself as the baby's respiratory system matures. However, if breathing pauses for more than 20 seconds, consult a doctor.