Babies often appear puffy at birth due to a combination of fluid retention and the pressure experienced during their passage through the birth canal.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Fluid Retention: During pregnancy, the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid. After birth, it takes a few days for the baby's body to get rid of this excess fluid. This fluid retention contributes to the overall puffy appearance, particularly in the face.
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The Journey Through the Birth Canal: The process of labor and delivery puts significant pressure on the baby's head and face as they navigate the birth canal. This pressure can cause swelling and bruising, leading to a puffy and sometimes even distorted appearance. This is more common in vaginal births. Cephalhematoma (collection of blood between a skull bone and its periosteum) is another reason.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during and after birth can also contribute to fluid retention in both the mother and the baby.
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Temporary Condition: The puffiness is usually temporary. As the baby's body adjusts to life outside the womb and eliminates excess fluid, the swelling subsides, and the baby's features become more defined. Typically, the puffiness resolves within a few days to a week after birth. The shape of the baby's head also normalizes during this time.
In summary, the puffy appearance of newborns is a normal and temporary condition resulting from fluid retention and the physical pressures of birth.
