Why Chhatthi Say Pahley (Before 6th Day Ceremony)

The first few days of a newborn’s life are extremely important for health monitoring and early medical care. Many critical health conditions and developmental changes occur during this period.

1. In India, nearly 74.1% of neonatal deaths occur within the first seven days of life.
2. Most significant congenital heart diseases become symptomatic within the first week of life.
3. Both Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis (<72 hours) and Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis (>72 hours) fall within the first seven days.
4. The maximum intensity of physiological jaundice usually appears on the 5th or 6th day of life.
5. In term babies 5-10% body weight is lost and in preterm babies 15-20% weight may be lost during the first week before weight gain begins.
6. The insensible water loss through the skin of a preterm baby becomes similar to a term baby by the seventh day.
7. Both term and preterm babies generally reach their full feeding or IV fluid requirement within the first seven days.
8. Newborn Metabolic Screening should be done after 2 days and before the 7th day of life.
9. Confirmation of renal and urinary tract abnormalities detected during antenatal scans should be completed by the 7th day of life.
10. Parents are encouraged to adopt telemedicine consultation before the 6th day of life (Chhatthi Say Pahley) for early medical guidance.