HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes High Hemoglobin Level In A New Born Baby?

my baby is 5 days old and i was told that her Hemoglobin level is high today after they run some blood tests on her. what does this mean. i was told to make sure she is breast feeding alot but she now seems to sleep very deep i cannot get her to open her mouth to feed. whats wrong with her?
Wed, 19 Feb 2014
Report Abuse
Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.
I can understand your concern.
Hemoglobin level is normally high in the newborn period. It is higher than the adult level. Beyond a certain level it is called polycythemia and is not very good. There are several causes for the same. Small for gestational age and diabetes in the mother are some of the causes. If the value crosses certain level blood is removed from the body and replaced with equal volume of normal saline. If it is within certain range monitoring and increased feeding may suffice. Please consult your doctor if your baby is feeding poorly.
Continue to ask further queries as required.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Dr Y V Siva Sankara Murty
M.D.(Pediatrics)
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Breastfeeding


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes High Hemoglobin Level In A New Born Baby?

Hi, Thanks for writing to health care magic. I can understand your concern. Hemoglobin level is normally high in the newborn period. It is higher than the adult level. Beyond a certain level it is called polycythemia and is not very good. There are several causes for the same. Small for gestational age and diabetes in the mother are some of the causes. If the value crosses certain level blood is removed from the body and replaced with equal volume of normal saline. If it is within certain range monitoring and increased feeding may suffice. Please consult your doctor if your baby is feeding poorly. Continue to ask further queries as required. Hope this helps. Take care. Dr Y V Siva Sankara Murty M.D.(Pediatrics) Associate Professor of Pediatrics