Hypoglycemia is a medical condition that affects two out of every 1,000 newborn infants, according to estimates provided by Children's Hospital Boston. Newborn hypoglycemia occurs when an infant's blood sugar levels are below normal. A parent or caregiver who observes any hypoglycemia symptoms in an infant should consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Skin Discoloration
Infants with unusually low blood sugar levels can exhibit skin discoloration as a symptom of this condition. An infant's skin can appear unusually pale or blue--a symptom called cyanosis--due to poor oxygen flow to the cells and tissues, explain health professionals with the Oregon Health and Science University. These skin discoloration symptoms are temporary and will resolve once an infant's blood sugar levels are restored to normal.
Breathing Abnormalities
Breathing abnormalities can occur in infants with hypoglycemia. An affected infant may appear to stop breathing sporadically for brief periods of time, reports PDRHealth. These breathing abnormalities, called apnea, occur most frequently when the infant is sleeping.
Poor Appetite
Infants with low blood sugar levels may have a poor appetite as a symptom of this condition. An affected infant may not be interested in breastfeeding or bottle feeding, explains Children's Hospital Boston. Certain infants with hypoglycemia may resist feeding or become unusually fussy or irritable when it's time to eat. Persistently poor feeding habits can be a sign of a serious medical problem and affected infants should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
Excessive Drowsiness
Without adequate levels of sugar in the body, an infant can't produce the energy she needs. As a result, infants with hypoglycemia can appear unusually lethargic or irritable, warn health experts at the University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital. An infant who is excessively tired or fatigued may not be responsive to external stimuli, such as her mother's voice or physical touch. A parent or caregiver may notice that an infant with hypoglycemia is difficult to awaken from sleep. If symptoms of drowsiness or lethargy persist, affected infants should be taken to a medical professional.
Muscle Tremors or Seizures
Infants with hypoglycemia can develop unusual involuntary muscle tremors or seizures as a result of this condition, reports the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. These muscle spasms may cause an infant to appear jittery, shaky or physically restless. Infants who exhibit abnormal body twitching should be evaluated by a pediatrician.
