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Positive Coombs Test in Newborn - Do You Need to Worry?
The nine months of pregnancy, followed by labour and delivery are surely challenging but they are nothing in comparison to being a mother. Taking care of a baby and ensuring that he stays healthy and happy becomes the main goal of a mother's life. And if your newborn baby gets detected positive for the Coombs test, then no wonder it will leave you worried. A human body is very complex and therefore, many medical complications can affect your newborn baby, too. Do not panic and read on to know more about this condition in newborn babies.
What Is Coombs Test?
Our immune system produces a protein in the form of antibodies, which helps in protecting our body from different kinds of infections and ailments. However, sometimes these antibodies may work against the body and may start killing the red blood cells. Hence, your doctor may advise you to undergo antibody screening test during pregnancy to check if your antibodies are attacking the red blood cells in your body. If the doctor suspects that you have low red blood cell count, he may suggest you a blood test known as coombs test. This test is further classified into direct Coombs test newborn and indirect Coombs test.
What Does a Positive Coombs Test Mean in a Newborn Baby?
If your baby undergoes a Coombs test and the tests result are positive, this may indicate that there are chances that the mother’s blood got mixed up with the baby’s blood. This may occur if there is a disparity in the Rh factor of the blood of the mother and the baby, which means if the mother is Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive or vice versa, then certain complications may arise if the blood gets mixed up.
In order to rule out the presence of any mixed up blood, Coombs test may be performed on newborn babies by either taking blood from the umbilical cord (just after birth) or directly from the baby.
What Causes a Coombs Test to Turn Positive in a Newborn?
The main causes that may reflect positive Coombs test include the following:
If the mother and baby may have separate blood groups, mother’s blood sees the baby’s blood as an alien element in the bloodstream and thus produces antibodies against it or to kill it. These antibodies may get passed in the baby’s blood and may show positive in a DAT or direct antiglobulin test in babies.
The coombs tests may show positive results when an Rh-negative mother gets Rho(D) immune globulin shot and the traces of which may get passed on to the baby’s blood.
What Problems Can Coombs Positive Babies Face?
If your baby is adjudged Coombs positive, he may suffer from either of the following issues:
1. Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition that may occur when there are fewer red blood cells in the body than the required amount. Coombs positive babies may have a reduced red blood cell count in their body, which can make the baby sluggish, lethargic, sleepy, feed poorly and many other complications. Such babies may sometimes require nutrition through an IV. It is not necessary that coombs positive babies will be anaemic; however, it may increase their chances of having anaemia.
2. Jaundice
Though most newborn babies have certain degrees of jaundice that subsides on its own in most cases. However, babies who are detected coombs positive may be at a higher risk of developing jaundice. This condition increases the bilirubin levels in the baby’s body and higher levels of bilirubin may put your baby at the risk of experiencing brain damage and other health complications.
How to Take Care of a Coombs Positive Baby
Babies are delicate and if your baby is Coombs positive then he requires extra care. Here’s how you can take care of him:
It is important that you pay heed to breastfeed the coombs positive newborn because breast milk is loaded with antibodies that may help your baby fight the symptoms of jaundice.
The doctors and other medical teams may keep your baby under observation and monitor your baby’s progress closely.
Your baby may be required to undergo regular tests to monitor his anaemia and jaundice.
If your baby is suffering from severe jaundice then your doctor may advise for photo-therapy. Photo-therapy is a procedure that requires your baby to be placed under a special light bulb that may help in breaking down the bilirubin and thus curing the symptoms of jaundice.
Sometimes your baby may suffer from a severe case of anaemia or jaundice, which may require extensive medical procedures and treatments. In case such a situation arises you may be told about the procedures and their implications, too.
Are There Any Long-Term Complications for Coombs Positive Infants?
As soon as you deliver your baby, there is no more mixing of blood that may happen. Also, as per the severity of your baby’s condition, the doctor will keep your baby under observation and offer the required treatment. Slowly and gradually your baby’s blood may get rid of the alien blood and start making new blood cells. In most cases, coombs disease in newborns does not cause any long-term complications.
When Can a Coombs Positive Newborn Go Home?
You can take a coombs positive newborn home at the usual time. But you will be required to visit the hospital for a review in a few days to check if your baby is recovering well or not. However, if you notice any changes in your baby’s complexion or if your baby’s face starts looking paler, this could mean that his anaemia or jaundice may be becoming severe. In such cases, your baby may be monitored closely or you may be required to stay in the hospital if your baby’s condition becomes more critical.
There are many medical complications that may affect the health of a newborn baby. It can be overwhelming for the parents; however, you must trust your doctor and work as a team with your doctor for the speedy recovery of your baby. Most cases of coombs positive babies may not exhibit any severe complications and thus can be effectively managed by proper care and medical treatment.
Also Read: Newborn Hearing Screening Test Read more
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Meena sharma
Mom of a 7 m old girl
5 mins ago
#babyofsummer24
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The Voice Within Me Always Says, "You Are Not a Normal Woman"
It's been 2 years since I got married! My little angel is 7 months old and I am here still searching for myself...
What am i really capable of?
I, being a liable housewife and an impeccable mom have always been reputed by my in-laws for cooking, maintaining the house and taking care of my family free of error...but is this what I am really capable of?
Roshini Sharma became the first Indian woman to ride a motorbike from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.
Shila Dawre became India's first woman auto rickshaw driver.
Arunima Sinha was the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest.
Arati Saha became the first Indian/Asian woman to swim across the English Channel in the year 1959.
When women are busy seeking the wonders on Earth, I am here, still searching for myself.
When women presently have the willpower to navigate to the end of the world, I am here still searching for myself.
So, is this the end?
No. This will be my beginning. When my voice was being questioned, I realised that I am really competent to outset and make progress. It will happen. My first step will be very soon...
When the voice within me said YOU CAN, I always could!
When it said, you can wake up by 5:30 am, I was able to.
When it said, you can finish your cooking by 7 am, I was able to.
When it said, YOU CAN, YOU CAN, YOU CAN...
I was able to do each and every thing!
That voice within me will never sleep...and since it's so restless, it will sure fulfil its desire.
As I enjoy motherhood, I will search the best within me and one day show my might!
And do you know the reason for my confidence?
It's the voice within me that always says, "YOU ARE NOT A NORMAL WOMAN."
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Motherhood and COVID-19 :- A STRESSFUL JOURNEY BALANCING LIFE BETWEEN PARENTING AND COVID
Neither our generation nor the generation of our parents had faced a pandemic before , it's quite an unusual and terrifying state of mind that we are undergoing. Like the previously heard about epidemics EBOLA , SARS, MERS etc , we thought this too would pass without touching us untill March 25 when the entire country went into LOCKDOWN and since then the journey has been terrible. At times to stay positive and strong , I would thank this Pandemic for providing the entire family quality time to spend with our baby girl and at times I would severely break down thinking about the uncertainties we have in store . I was always engulfed with the fear of a microorganism infecting my baby !!! I would not let anyone touch her without proper sanitisation, I would just hold her close to me praying for the return of our normal lives. Even taking her out for vaccinations was a terror for me. I would imagine how the car seat, the hospital door, the sitting area in the hospital, the feeding room , the nurse and even the doctor may carry the virus. My hubby and me with utmost care sanitised and sanitised each and every surface that we touch or that might touch us. I stayed with my parents during my maternity leave period and i cannot thank my stars for giving me the opportunity to bring up my baby under their supervision. Thus months rolled with that unknown fear haunting us like hell!!!! We tried to keep our baby safe inside the house with us neither stepping out of the house (until emergency) nor inviting anyone inside the house!!
The journey went on untill one fine morning I felt a terrible backache followed by mild fever 98°F and entire bodyache in the evening. It was the 20th July 2020. After dinner i took a crocin since i thought it might be the normal seasonal fever. Then the next day 21 st July I was perfectly fine. I didnt have any fever or pain. But since I was a bit more paranoid ,about the pandemic going on, i tried to isolate myself like seperating out my utensils where I eat or drink. I wore masks even while i slept etc etc. On 22nd July, it was my birthday and also our baby girl´s weaning ceremony. I tried to stay aloof from the kitchen and even my daughter. My sister made the entire lunch arrangements single handedly. That day i could feel i couldnot smell or taste the food! By now , i was bit worried coz i studied this as the early symptom of COVID-19. I didnt tell anyone but simply isolated myself. I didnot kiss my baby since 20th June.
My hubby tried to persuade me by saying its normal cold. But I knew deep inside me that this cannot be the normal cold as i didnt have any runny nose nor any blockage but just that i cannot smell. I couldnt smell the strong alcoholic sanitiser. I couldnt smell the menthol i was inhaling. The next day 23rd July, i was perfectly fit. I did my normal workout and there was no fever bodyache or any weakness. just that i couldnt smell or taste. On 24th July keeping in mind the safety ofmy 7 month baby and diabetic father, i decided to take a test for COVID-19.
And there came the most dreadful report of my life ever- The 2 pink lines and I was COVID-19 POSITIVE!!!!!
I was immediately shifted to a Covid Care Centre nearby. Words fall short to explain the pain i was going through. The pain of seperation from my baby and my family. I just couldnot control my tears and cried uncontrollably. I felt as if a huge mountain crashed on my head!! At the point I made a very harsh decision keeping myself as strong as I can. I decided to keep my baby back home with my husband and parents as I didnot want her to expose to a world of infection. I consoled myself that it was the matter of just 9 days and it will pass too!!
Many critised me as to how I kept my 7 month baby away. Many questioned me as to why i kept her away. But i ignored all their questions with a smile because I believed if God has brought me down into this trouble he will definately help us and get us out of this too.
I stopped looking my gallery since the day I got admitted coz each time I scrolled a pic of my baby my heart cried out aloud!! I somehow made up my mind that I must stay positive sothat I can recover as soon as possible . My family constantly supportedme . I counted on days trying to keep myself positive and busy in all possible ways. In my mind I just kept chanting "everything will be fine , be patient, I will test negative". A second final rapid antigen test was done on the 9th day and by Blessings of almighty I tested negative and was discharged the next day that is on the 10th day (2nd August 2020).
I just want to convey all who is reading this that whenever you find your friends or family in tough times( whatever it is) just give them a call and encourage them . Donot stay aloof from them, donot keep them questioning stuffs which can hurt them. They need your support,blessings and prayers. Read more
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
20 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
19 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
19 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
13 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
11 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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