The moment your newborn is delivered, you’re bound to heave a heavy sigh of relief. But if you’re like most first-time parents, that relief doesn’t last long. Unexpected birthmarks, a pulsating soft spot, jaundice, skin rashes, eyes that cross, head lumps and bumps: It can all be downright scary and can easily send new parents into panic mode.

“If you don’t know what to expect, or especially if you are expecting that sort of ‘Hollywood’ version of the doll-perfect newborn, seeing and examining your baby for the first time can be quite shocking to some parents — and even cause some serious anxiety attacks,” says Tia Hubbard, MD, nursery pediatrician at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center.

Is My Newborn Normal?