What Are the Signs of Cervical Spine Injury in Newborns?
Some Newborns May Experience Cervical Injury
Cases of cervical injury in newborns can occur, and this condition can affect the health of the baby and cause discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to seek timely and appropriate treatment. Parents should also strive to communicate with their babies regularly, avoiding holding them upright. Instead, they can use the wrist hold or hand hold method to carry their babies.
When it comes to cervical injury in newborns, there are several manifestations that parents should be aware of. Firstly, the baby may show signs of paralysis, lacking free movement. Secondly, the baby may cry frequently and exhibit symptoms of neck pain and discomfort.
Holding a newborn upright should be avoided, as the head of a newborn accounts for one-fourth of its total body length. When held upright, the weight of the baby's head is fully concentrated on the cervical spine. During the first one to two months, the neck muscles of the baby are not fully developed and may be weak, making it crucial to prevent incorrect holding positions that could potentially damage the spine. While these injuries may not be immediately apparent, they could potentially affect the baby's future growth and development. Therefore, it is recommended to hold the baby horizontally instead of vertically.
Parents should also make an effort to engage in frequent communication with their babies. This can be achieved by talking to them, singing to them, gently gazing at them with their eyes, and gently stroking them to establish physical contact. Such emotional exchanges can broaden the baby's horizons, expose them to more environmental stimuli, and greatly benefit their brain development, mental growth, and physical growth. Close contact and cuddling are the first steps in establishing emotional bonds with your baby, which are crucial for their overall physical and mental development.
It is important to use the correct methods when holding a newborn. The wrist hold method involves placing the baby's head in the crook of the left arm, with the elbow protecting the head. The left wrist and hand support the back and waist, while the right forearm extends over the baby's body to support the legs. The right hand then holds the baby's hips and waist. This is a commonly used position. The hand hold method involves supporting the baby's back, neck, and head with the left hand, while the right hand supports their hips and waist. This method is often used when lifting or placing the baby down from a bed.
