What Causes Sudden Weight Loss In Infants After Being Born?
Question: Hi. I have a 3 week old. At birth, she weighed 6.10, at time of discharge she was 6.1 and at first doctors appt (which was 4 days after leaving hospital) she was 5.13. In 2 weeks since her initial visit, she is back up to 6.8. However, while one of the practice doctors seems a little more reasonable (although she has stressed that she would like her back at birth weight), the other mentioned today that she would like to admit her to the hospital despite a steady gain of about 1 oz per day. To me, they seem a little unreasonable. I understand the need to have her back at birth weight but she's about a week behind despite such a drastic initial weight loss. Shouldn't consideration be given to that?? One doctor also seems to be on board with breast feeding while the other seems pretty set against it. Is it time toss itch doctors??
Brief Answer:
You need not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi....you need not worry. It is quite common for newborns to lose 10% of their body weight on the initial 10 days and regain it back y 14th day. Even otherwise as your baby is steadily gaining weight you need not worry.
I will suggest you the red flag signs when you need to worry.
1. Unexplained weight loss or weight gain of less than 25gm per day.
2. Very low or excessive urine output.
3. Extreme lethargy.
4. Chronic or recurrent diarrhea.
5. Unexplained vomiting.
6. Not attaining age appropriate milestones.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
You need not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi....you need not worry. It is quite common for newborns to lose 10% of their body weight on the initial 10 days and regain it back y 14th day. Even otherwise as your baby is steadily gaining weight you need not worry.
I will suggest you the red flag signs when you need to worry.
1. Unexplained weight loss or weight gain of less than 25gm per day.
2. Very low or excessive urine output.
3. Extreme lethargy.
4. Chronic or recurrent diarrhea.
5. Unexplained vomiting.
6. Not attaining age appropriate milestones.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar