Turning blue around the mouth

[Tattooed Hand]

My 7 month old DD has recently begun to turn blue around the mouth at times. Not for very long and not anywhere else. But if happens several times a day. Should I be worried? What is it?

[maddymama]

Hi Mama,
I don't know what it is, but turning blue around the mouth might signify some type of oxygen deprivation. I'd go see your kiddo's physician and get that ruled out (heart, lungs, ashtma, etc.)... just for your peace of mind. Does this happen after a bout of crying, eating, sleeping, etc.?
Good luck,
~maddymama

[geekgolightly]

Originally Posted by maddymama

Hi Mama,
I don't know what it is, but turning blue around the mouth might signify some type of oxygen deprivation. I'd go see your kiddo's physician and get that ruled out (heart, lungs, ashtma, etc.)... just for your peace of mind. Does this happen after a bout of crying, eating, sleeping, etc.?
Good luck,
~maddymama

In total agreement. It isn't normal, and should be checked. Did you ever have an ultrasound when you were 18 weeks or so? The anatomy scan is useful in dx any heart issues, but there are other things it could be as well.

[geekgolightly]

I did a cursory search to see what I could find and I can list the links here.

Anecdotal evidence over at another mothering board shows that a few moms took their babies in and all were recommended for specialist appts but no resolution was found.

http://www.themommyplaybook.com/foru...d.php?p=539665

And here are a couple other links and questions for you.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/blue-skin-in-babies


These questions were taken from a SIDS page, but I am in no way suggesting any sort of dx. These are just good questions to ask surrounding the change in skin color.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/804412-overview
Did the infant change color?

* If the patient turned blue, ask "how blue," inquire as to lighting in the room, and ascertain the location of the cyanosis.
* A number of healthy babies appear to turn blue around the mouth when crying.
* Acrocyanosis or color changes during defecation may be misinterpreted as life-threatening events.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/298_9546.asp
unlikely unless there is also an accompanying fever, which you didn't mention, but still...

[nextcommercial]

It's not incredibly uncommon. But, it's not normal.

I googled it, and it's all just scary stuff that's not even worth posting. So, I just suggest getting it checked out by a doctor. Maybe give the doctor a call tomorrow and see what they think. If nothing else, it will put your mind at ease.

[hollytheteacher]

My son has Tetralogy of Fallot which is formally known as "blue baby syndrome"

PLEASE take your baby to a pediatric cardiologist ASAP! Most "heart" babies need open heart surgery and some need multiple surgeries (including an emergency one to put a shunt in when they are VERY young).

I'll be thinking of you! Please update as soon as you see someone!

[carmel23]

Oh, I hope your LO is okay. Sending good vibes.

[lalemma]

Oh dear, how scary!

I would get the next available appointment with her ped. It may well be nothing, but this isn't the kind of thing I personally would take a wait-and-see approach with. Fingers crossed for you guys that it's something totally ordinary!

[carmel23]

it just occurred to me, do y'all have carbon monoxide detector in your place???

[luv-my-boys]

Please take your child to a hcp ASAP, although it can happen it is usually NOT normal for a person of any age to turn blue. I would also suggest that you keep a camera handy and when it happens to take photos showing exactly what they are experiencing. Often it can help a doctor see exactly what you mean by *blue* and what the concern is besides just describing it. I would also keep a log (until you get in) of when it happens, how long, what is the child doing (sleeping,crawling,crying,etc) and any other notes.

[WindyCityMom]

Originally Posted by carmel23

it just occurred to me, do y'all have carbon monoxide detector in your place???

Good point!

Keep us posted, sending many well-wishing vibes your way.

[Lindsay1234]

Heart mom here, go get an ECHO. Call the ped.

[Tattooed Hand]

We do have a carbon monoxide detector. We went to the ped today and got a referal to a pediatric cardiologist. The ped is actually our family practioner and she said she thinks it MIGHT be a heart murmur. I don't know anything about those, but she said 95% of them are benign. And now I am trying to banish the whole thing from my mind until I know for sure...

[maddymama]

I'm so glad you saw your ped and got a referral... Best wishes that it is benign.......
~maddymama

[lalemma]

Oh wow - I'm glad you listened to your intuition and went to get it checked out! Here's hoping it's nothing/benign.

[P.J.]

Yeah definitely have it checked and double checked by doctors, by all means!

But just wanted to add I'm reading a book called Baby Sense right now, about the sensory world of babies. Turning blue around the mouth is in there under a list of signs that a baby has a sensory overload. So I would ask: what is going on at the times this happens? Is it when she also soon starts fussing? Are there other signs of overload or fussiness around the same time?

There is an extensive website to go with this book, here is their Q&A section: http://www.babysense.com/articles/ca...s-and-answers/ and their main page: http://www.babysense.co.za/. I'll bet you can find more references to this there. Good luck and I hope it's nothing more serious than sensory overload, which can be managed.

ETA: Be warned: There is some crap info/advice on that website, but I found the info on sensory regulation and why babies cry to be useful, and for you the blue mouth thing obviously.....

[Tattooed Hand]

interesting... it does seem to happen most in the evening when she is overstimulated and having trouble settling down to sleep even though she is exhausted. We'll see.

[elmh23]

My mom has a heart murmur and it only causes her issues when she's overstimulated (when she was a baby, it was during crying fits, now as a 50-something old woman it's when she's stressed and pissed off.) Definatly get it checked out!