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Warning-sign checks

ABO incompatibility: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Breathing difficulty, inability to wake the baby, seizure-like activity, marked limpness, or unusual stiffness requires urgent or emergency care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt advice for worsening jaundice, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or fewer wet diapers.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    A newborn's follow-up plan depends on the bilirubin result before discharge, age at discharge, gestational age, feeding, weight change, and other risks.

    Follow-up may include a bilirubin test, jaundice examination, feeding assessment, and weight check.

    After a transfusion reaction, follow-up may include blood counts, kidney function tests, and review by the transfusion service.

    The reaction should be documented in the medical record.

    Tell clinicians about it before future transfusions, although standard testing and identity checks will still be required.

The article also says

After phototherapy, bilirubin may need to be checked again because it can rebound.

Babies with known or suspected hemolysis may need later blood counts to detect anemia.

Keep all recommended appointments even if the baby looks well.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on ABO incompatibility. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.