complications with overdue baby

[LPN_mn]

I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction to search for some information. My niece had a baby 1-12-06. The baby was due

12-28-05. She bacame ill and went to the ER. They decided that the baby was 3 weeks overdue and needed to be delivered. She had gone into labor on 12-30-05 and her OB stopped her labor because she thought the baby did not weigh enough. Long story short baby went into fetal distress and the mom and baby almost died. Emergency c-section performed. The imbilical cord was very brittle, amniotic fluid was like green pea soup. The baby was not nursing (kept tongue to roof of the mouth) finally this evening they was able to get baby to take bottle. Baby finally peed after having bottle but has not pooped yet. My mom mentioned that after the baby was born she was flailing her arms and legs (as if she was having withdrawels) but mother did not do drugs during pregnancy. Can some one point me in the right direction to try to find out more info if this could be something that is just related to the stress that she has gone through or if there may be some long term complications that we may need to be looking for.

[pebbles1977]

Did she have prenatal care? Why did the OB stop her labor, and how? These are questions that are important to know. There are many. We can't offer legal or medical advice here, only support. But it would help to know more of your story.

[OB_or_NICU_hopeful]

I can't offer any advice (not an RN), but I'm curious as to the baby's weight & length. I hope mom is well and baby is thriving now :)

[Jolie, BSN]

I hope your neice and her baby are doing well.

It is a little difficult to sort things out based on the limited information posted here. It sounds as though there was some uncertainty as to her due date. That is not uncommon, as sometimes women do not recall the exact date of their LMP, or their size does not match their estimated gestation. U/S done during pregnancy has only limited value in pinpointing a due date, so even if done, it may not be particularly helpful.

The condition of the umbilical cord and meconium stained amniotic fluid could be related to a number of medical or obstetrical conditions, so I won't speculate as to their cause. They are consistent with your description of fetal distress. It is a credit to your neice's caregivers that baby arrived safely.

You describe the baby's arms and legs "flailing" after delivery. That is not of concern. Newborn infants are used to the dark, quiet, cramped conditions of the uterus, and are most comfortable when they are in a curled, flexed position. After delivery, when infants are placed on the warmer or examining table, they become startled by the bright lights, sounds, relatively cool air, and loss of their "contained" environment. They often react by screaming bloody murder, and flailing their arms and legs. Their immature nervous systems are over-burdened by all the stimulation. This is not a sign of illness, but a normal response. And a good, strong cry helps to clear the lungs of retained amniotic fluid (once the meconium has been cleared from the baby's airway, of course.)

You also describe some difficulties with breastfeeding. As frustrating as this is, it is not unusual either. Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding IS NOT instinctive for baby or mother. It is a learned behavior. And like all learned behaviors, some moms and babies catch on more quickly than others. Sleepiness, lack of interest, poor positioning of the tongue, inconsistent sucking are all common problems in the early days. I sincerely hope that your neice receives assistance from the mother-baby staff or a lactation consultant to overcome these minor difficulties. None of them should present a true barrier to breastfeeding. It sounds as if the baby's oral intake has been very limited. That must be addressed to prevent dehydration and excessive weight loss. This may be accomplished by frequent breastfeeding, or by some type of supplementation as recommended by the nurses and doctors caring for your neice and her baby. Adequate urine output (at least 4-6 wet diapers per day) is vital to indicate adequate fluid intake. The baby has already passed meconium, so the lack of a bowel movement for the first day or two should not be of huge concern. Once regular feeding is established, bowel movements should follow:).

Thanks for your interest and concern. Best wishes to your family!

[LPN_mn]

Thanks for all the replies. Mom and baby are doing alright now. They went home today. It is very hard when the family calls and asks questions. They are in Arkansas and I am in Minnesota. Sometimes you do not get all the details. Jolie your reply was especially helpful you pointed out a few things that I had forgotten since nursing school. Got to see pic of baby from the hospital website and she is very beautiful. Again thanks for all your replies.