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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Possible NEC in a newborn is an emergency and needs immediate hospital assessment.
After discharge, seek emergency medical care if your baby has:
Green vomit
A rapidly swelling, firm, tender, or discoloured abdomen
Blood in the stool
Severe sleepiness, floppiness, or difficulty waking
Trouble breathing, blue or grey colour, or repeated breathing pauses
Very few wet diapers or other signs of dehydration
A stoma that becomes dark, very pale, severely swollen, or stops working with abdominal swelling
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
In the NICU, tell a nurse promptly if you notice a change in your baby's abdomen, vomit, stool, activity, breathing, or colour.
Contact your baby's usual care team promptly for less sudden concerns, such as repeated vomiting, worsening feed tolerance, poor weight gain, changes in stool output, ongoing wound problems, or irritated skin around a stoma.
These visits are intended to track recovery and identify growth or feeding problems before they become urgent.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Keep routine neonatal, surgical, nutrition, and developmental appointments.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Necrotizing enterocolitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.