EXPERT
Dr. Shadi Malaeb, M.D.
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Shadi Malaeb is a Neonatal-Perinatal physician practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Malaeb cares for critically ill newborns and premature infants. Neonatal-Perinatal physicians treat conditions such as breathing disorders, birth defects, infections, and any other life-threatening medical problems. They coordinate with their young patient's families and other physicians to determine the appropriate treatment.
25 years
Experience
Dr. Shadi Malaeb, M.D.
- Philadelphia, PA
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Neonatal-perinatal medicine is a subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants and understanding the conditions around birth that affect their...
How can I check my baby's heartbeat at home?
In general, the easiest is you can feel the pulse, or use a stethoscope. Count for six seconds then multiply by 10 you get the rate per minute. so 16 beats in HR of 160 bpm. It READ MORE
In general, the easiest is you can feel the pulse, or use a stethoscope. Count for six seconds then multiply by 10 you get the rate per minute. so 16 beats in HR of 160 bpm. It can be tricky to count. Your pediatrician or your baby's nurse can teach you a technique that works best for you.
What are the effects of smoking on a baby in utero?
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/pregnancy/index.htm
How to fix a bent spine in a baby?
Consult with a pediatric orthopedics doctor specialist in pediatric spine.
When is fever in a child worrisome?
A newborn baby with fever should be checked by a doctor every time to determine the condition of the baby.
Why didn’t my baby cry when he was born?
There are many causes, but yes this indicates problems, some are serious and other times not.
Are premature babies likely to get respiratory distress syndrome?
Yes, however not all RDS is of same severity. some are mild and resolve in days while others could be severe and take months. With current advances in neonatal and obstetrical READ MORE
Yes, however not all RDS is of same severity. some are mild and resolve in days while others could be severe and take months. With current advances in neonatal and obstetrical care, many treatments can be offered to improve RDS in premature babies.
Does a baby's heartbeat change during pregnancy?
Some variability in fetal heart rate is normal and healthy. However, sudden/prolonged decreases in heart rate, or irregular or very fast heart beats are not normal and need to READ MORE
Some variability in fetal heart rate is normal and healthy. However, sudden/prolonged decreases in heart rate, or irregular or very fast heart beats are not normal and need to seek obstetrical attention.
Are preemie babies at risk for disabilities?
Yes. Please refer to the NICHD prematurity risk calculator free online resource to assess the estimated risks, and discuss with a neonatal specialist.
Can we see if my baby has a congenital disease in the womb?
Yes, it is possible to see many forms of fetal heart disease on fetal ultrasound, but not all. If there are concerns, a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist specialist may READ MORE
Yes, it is possible to see many forms of fetal heart disease on fetal ultrasound, but not all. If there are concerns, a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist specialist may help.
Can mother's emotions affect their unborn child?
It's possible.
My baby was born 6 weeks early, what are the risks?
Your baby is a late preterm infant. She may have breathing problems, immature feeding skills, difficulty feeding, keeping herself warm, may have exaggerated jaundice and other READ MORE
Your baby is a late preterm infant. She may have breathing problems, immature feeding skills, difficulty feeding, keeping herself warm, may have exaggerated jaundice and other problems of prematurity, in addition to other risks for infections, etc., that may have lead to her being born early. There also can be long-term effects, however, in general they are not as severe as would be if she was more premature. Please refer to more detailed information at the AAP website about late preterm infants, and discuss with your baby's pediatrician her specific needs.
My baby is 2 months old and has been detected with sepsis. What should we do?
Hello, unfortunately sepsis is a serious condition and needs to be treated aggressively in a critical care unit, as you are doing. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. It READ MORE
Hello, unfortunately sepsis is a serious condition and needs to be treated aggressively in a critical care unit, as you are doing. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. It is not easy.
What do you do if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck?
It is always best to seek obstetrical care and monitor fetal heart rate and wellbeing, and to consider the severity of the situation with your obstetrician and decide on the best READ MORE
It is always best to seek obstetrical care and monitor fetal heart rate and wellbeing, and to consider the severity of the situation with your obstetrician and decide on the best option accordingly.
When should I suspect my child has congenital heart disease?
There are many reasons for these problems, including sometimes heart disease, but that would not be top of the list. Please discuss with your infant's pediatrician your concerns. READ MORE
There are many reasons for these problems, including sometimes heart disease, but that would not be top of the list. Please discuss with your infant's pediatrician your concerns.
Are there ways to test for Down syndrome?
Yes, a lot of the standard routine obstetrical screens in first and second trimester are meant to detect the risk for having a baby with trisomy 21, or other genetic conditions. READ MORE
Yes, a lot of the standard routine obstetrical screens in first and second trimester are meant to detect the risk for having a baby with trisomy 21, or other genetic conditions.
Can you test for spina bifida when pregnant?
Yes, with fetal ultrasounds and maternal blood tests.
Do abdominal ultrasounds expose my baby to radiation?
No, ultrasounds have sound waves, not radiation.
