[ozmidwifery] Blue patches on neonate

[Julie Garratt]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone can tell me why a newborn baby, only minutes old can sometimes have blue patches on its torso. I've seen it only once before and it was fairly transient, lasting an hour or so. The baby I caught today was alert and active after a totally drug free birth but had funny blue patches in a quiet symmetrical pattern on its body ( over kidneys ect,) . It was also rather acrocyanosed.  Has anyone else seen this? I imagine it has something to do with transition from neonatal circulation but would really appreciate it if someone can explain the physiology of what is happening or even what its called so I can look it up. Looking forward to your wisdom, Julie:)