What should you know about neonatal tetanus symptoms?

A baby may initially suck or feed poorly, become unusually stiff, or appear unsettled when touched or exposed to noise. Stiffness can progress to tightening of the jaw and facial muscles, followed by painful spasms affecting the body. Breathing and swallowing may become difficult. These features can overlap with other urgent newborn illnesses, so only a medical team can determine the cause.

Treat suspected neonatal tetanus as an emergency. Keep the baby in a quiet, low-stimulation setting while arranging immediate transfer to emergency care. Do not force feeds if swallowing is difficult, and do not put objects or fingers in the baby's mouth. Tell clinicians about the pregnancy and birth, wound care, and the mother's vaccination history. Information about [Tetanus Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/tetanus-vaccination/) can support prevention discussions later.

Seek emergency help immediately for repeated spasms, jaw stiffness, inability to suck, choking, pauses in breathing, bluish colour, or a baby who is difficult to wake. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe or try home treatment. A newborn with sudden stiffness or a significant change in feeding needs prompt assessment even when tetanus is uncertain.

Ask what caused the symptoms, how breathing and feeding will be supported, whether the baby needs intensive monitoring, and how maternal and newborn vaccination or wound-care history affects prevention.