Maryland Birth Injury Lawyers Discuss Hypoglycemia in Newborns

Neonatal hypoglycemia is marked by an unsafe drop in a baby’s blood glucose (blood sugar) level during the first few days of life. Glucose is a major source of energy for newborns. It is especially important for their brain, as up to 90% of a newborn’s glucose is consumed by the organ. Before birth, babies get glucose from the mother through the placenta. After birth, sources include breast milk or formula. Glucose is also produced in the baby’s liver. Most babies are born with blood sugar levels far below what an adult or older child could tolerate, yet most do not experience any ill effects. For example, in an older child or adult, a blood glucose level below 60 mg/dl is considered low. However, it is common for babies just born to have levels as low as 30 mg/dl, which gradually increase to 54 to 72 mg/dl. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends treating babies for neonatal hypoglycemia if their blood glucose level is 47 mg/dl or below. Neonatal hypoglycemia is the most
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