Digested Blood
photo by Janelle Aby, MD
During the process of delivery, a newborn will occasionally swallow small amounts of maternal blood. When this is spit back up after delivery (usually during the first 24 hours), it typically causes some anxiety for caregivers. The appearance above, where the blood appears to be partially digested, is common, but bright red blood can also be of maternal origin. In an otherwise well newborn, close observation is the only necessary intervention. If doubt exists about the origin of the blood, an Apt test can be performed on the sample.
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