Diseases Found With Newborn Babies

Newborn babies are born with some immunity to germs and diseases; however, their immune systems are not nearly as strong as most older children and adults. Babies born prematurely haven't completed their development, and they are often born with pre-existing conditions or have a weakened immune system which makes them even more susceptible to becoming ill. Some diseases are more common at the newborn stage than others, and every expectant parent should be aware during the baby's first weeks and months.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS, is one of the most terrifying diseases to a new parent. Doctors and researchers are still unsure what causes the sudden respiratory failure and death. The best thing a parent can do to protect against SIDS is to prevent the baby from accidentally suffocating by using breathable bumpers in the crib, putting the baby in a sleep positioner at night and always having a baby monitor on when you're not in the same room as the infant.

Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Babies commonly spit up, but when a baby spits up quite frequently and it causes pain, it's possible he has Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD causes acidic gas or liquid in the stomach to be regurgitated up the throat. The weak esophageal muscles of a baby make him more susceptible to this condition.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• A highly contagious viral infection, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is commonly spread through touching and kissing. Newborns can easily contract this from an adult or child who is infected. Sufferers often believe it is nothing more than the common cold. RSV can cause further infection and disease such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis and croup.

Jaundice

• When a baby's liver is immature and not fully developed, it can often have a problem removing bilirubin from the bloodstream, thus causing a yellow coloring of the skin and eyes. The body begins to break down its own red blood cells, which are in turn usually processed by the liver. In an underdeveloped liver, the removal never occurs.