Do I need to take ds to dr's?

[Pootles2010]

Sorry if this sounds stupid, first baby so i've no idea what i'm doing... He's got a bit of a cough, I know i probably sound like I'm being all pfb, but do i take him to dr's? Its not a bad cough,had it for a few days now, I certainly wouldn't go for myself, but should I take him as he's under 6 months? I've never taken him for anything other than 6 week check, so no idea! He's 19 weeks tomorrow. Thanks!

Hi Pootles!

I'm a first time mummy too and my advice is if you feel like you want to take him, do. Always best to go with your gut instinct on these things. But equally if it feels unnecessary don't feel like you're a bad parent for not going. Just monitor the situation for any changes.

A friend gave me some advice which I found very useful - take a deep breath, and think. You do know the answer, you just need to trust yourself. Which is sometimes sooo hard when there seems like a million people all telling you to do different things.

Hope that helps and I haven't just confused you more.

No you're right, thats great, thank you! I think I don't need to take him. There's nothing else wrong with him, he's eating fine, no fever, perfectly happy. If its not gone in a week I'll take him. Thanks!

Hi Pootles!

My DS (bit older than yours at 13 months) was very poorly with what started as a cough and cold but turned into pneumonia. When it began to get serious it was really clear that there was something really wrong - a temperature, off his food, very unhappy. Totally different ballgame from the 'normal' cold.

You've had good advice from Marmite. Trust your instincts. Hope DS gets better soon

I'd err on the side of caution. I know my doctor said the child who seems well can go down quickly with pneumonia. Just keep an eye.

In general I'd say if you have concern and have to ask the question, then I'd go. Doctors are never concerned about mums of babies taking their babies in too often, which you don't anyway.

Yes, wannabe - it was quick - in fact only three days after DS had been given the all clear by the Doc (who said he just had a cold) he was in hospital being treated for pneumonia. It was obvious that he suddenly went downhill though - he had a high temperature, and he wanted to sleep all the time too. Definitely not himself, but OP says her DS is happy at the mo.

I agree; any deterioration or doubts, go to the GP.

Otherwise, lots of cuddles and hope he gets better soon

Check his symptoms other than the cough. Not much you can do for the latter- they just have to get through it. Ring NHS direct and chat to them.
You can usually sense when a cough becomes a chest infection which would need a visit to the GP.

Thanks so much for all advice, i will keep eye on him but am certain its nothing. Just thought that maybe I should take him just because he's a littlie, but obviously not. He's absolutely fine other than the cough, I almost suspect that he's just learnt how to do it, and is almost playing with it iyswim? Sort of as a language development thing?