Baby Lymph Nodes - Should You Worry?

Baby Lymph Nodes - Should You Worry?

As parents, it’s natural to worry about every little thing about your little one. Often during bath time, you might notice a small lump around your baby’s neck or groin region and wonder if it’s a cause for concern.

While it’s good to take note of any new changes in your baby’s body, it’s best not to worry too much until you know what it is. The lumps most commonly noticed by parents are enlarged or swollen lymph nodes.

What are swollen lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are part of your immune system. They work to filter out viruses and bacteria throughout your body. Usually, they aren’t palpable, so you don’t notice them. But sometimes they can become swollen, which is worth noting, but likely nothing to worry about.

Lymph nodes can become swollen when your body is fighting an infection or any kind of inflammation. Often your child will have an ongoing myriad of fever, sore throat, or other kinds of infection which the body is learning to get rid of, causing the lymph nodes to swell.

Sometimes the lymph nodes can get infected themselves, causing an increase in size along with pain and tenderness. Very rarely, permanently swollen lymph nodes can be due to something serious like cancer. 

What are symptoms of swollen lymph nodes?

The main symptom of lymph node swelling is a palpable lump in your baby’s neck, behind the ears, under the jaw, or even in the groin region. Symptoms can be associated with the cause of swelling such as an infection or inflammation. These include:

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Earache

• Irritability 

Sometimes, however, these lymph nodes can continue to swell, which might be due to an infection of the node itself. This can be associated with:

• Pain

• Redness

• Tenderness

When should we see our care provider?

As stated earlier, swollen lymph nodes are usually nothing to worry about and often resolve on their own as the illness or inflammation settles. However, it’s best to seek your care provider’s attention if:

• The swollen node keeps growing in size

• It’s causing your baby trouble eating or breathing

• It’s causing pain to your child upon touching or otherwise

• The skin over the area is red or warm

• There is no obvious reason for the swelling, such as no history of illness or trauma

• You feel a general downfall in your child’s health

How do you treat swollen lymph nodes?

The treatment for swollen lymph nodes depends on the cause. If it’s a viral or bacterial infection, the treatment for the infection will settle the swelling on its own. However, if your care provider suspects something else, they might run some tests and scans to determine the appropriate treatment.

Postpartum doulas are highly trained and experienced to provide you assistance as you navigate through your postpartum journey. Having a postpartum doula by your side can help you sort through questions like these and more. To learn more about our postpartum doula services, send us a message and we’ll be happy to help!

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