What Does It Mean For A Baby To Be Lethargic?

When a baby seems to have no energy or can’t be roused to eat, it could be a sign of several different conditions. Some of these may be easily resolved, while others are more serious.

If you’ve just given birth, your newborn could be drowsy due to any anesthesia you received, especially if you had a cesarean. This is what happened to my baby after having my third child. While my other children had nursed vigorously right on the delivery table, after my C-section, my youngest just didn’t seem to want to wake up. It was hours before he was ready to eat, and though he was fine I was still concerned.

If your baby’s lethargy appears later and they aren’t behaving quite like themselves, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on. Weakness or limpness in an infant could be a sign of infection or an injury that wasn’t detected at birth.

Reasons Your Baby May Be Lethargic

The following are some of the most common reasons a baby may be lethargic. Keep scrolling to learn more about infant lethargy and what you can do about it.

Birth Injury

Sometimes babies are hurt during the birth process, either through unforeseen circumstances or medical malpractice. Some of the birth injuries that may cause a baby to seem weak or drowsy include: 

●     Birth asphyxia

●     Cerebral palsy

●     Meconium aspiration syndrome

●     Brain injuries 

You can visit Birth Injury Lawyer if you believe your baby’s injury didn’t have to happen, where you will find more information.

Illness

If your baby’s sudden weakness or limpness is accompanied by other changes such as a loss of appetite or increased crying, it may be a sign of illness. Changes in your baby’s behavior can be sudden, or they can come on more gradually. Pay attention to any changes in your newborn, and if you’re worried don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Low Blood Sugar

Like anyone else, your baby needs blood sugar to produce energy. When a baby’s blood sugar isn’t high enough, it is known as neonatal hypoglycemia. This condition typically happens during the first few days after your baby’s birth, when the infant is no longer getting its sugar from you. Here are some reasons your baby’s blood sugar may be low: 

●     Poor feeding

●     Lack of glucose production

●     Using too much glucose

●     Excess insulin 

Approximately 1 to 3 of every 1,000 babies who are born will develop this condition. It is more common in babies of diabetic mothers, in those who needed oxygen support after birth, and in babies who are bigger or smaller than average. Babies with low blood pressure may be treated with IV therapy.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

In the womb, your baby’s digestive system contains a substance that looks like tar. This is known as meconium. In most cases, your baby will pass this meconium out into its first few diapers. However, when complications arise, the fetus may pass meconium out early and into the amniotic fluid that surrounds it.  

Newborns with meconium aspiration syndrome may be lethargic due to low blood pressure. They may also develop a bluish tint around the mouth, which is known as circumoral cyanosis. The baby may also grunt or strain when they breathe. In cases where your baby was exposed to meconium for a long period, they may be born with greenish-yellow fingernails and skin. If your baby shows any of these signs, it’s time for an evaluation.

In most cases, a baby who seems lethargic will be just fine with treatment. However, there will be other more rare cases in which lethargy could be a sign of a catastrophic injury or illness, such as a heart defect or a brain injury. If your baby doesn’t seem right, it’s best to err on the side of caution and call your pediatrician.