Jaundice is a condition that occurs when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in their blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body produces when it breaks down red blood cells.

Typically, the liver filters the bilirubin from the bloodstream and excretes it in the stool. However, in newborns, the liver may not be fully developed, and bilirubin can build up, causing the yellowing of the skin and eyes associated with jaundice.

Symptoms of Jaundice

The most common symptom of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. In newborns, jaundice usually appears on the second or third day after birth and can last for several weeks.

In severe cases, the yellowing can spread to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Other signs of jaundice in newborns include:.

Excessive sleepiness or lethargy
Poor feeding
High-pitched crying
Arching of the back
Fever or other signs of infection

Causes of Jaundice

There are several different types of jaundice that can occur in newborns. The most common causes include:.

Physiological Jaundice

Physiological jaundice is the most common type of jaundice in newborns, occurring in up to 60% of babies. It occurs when the baby’s liver is still developing and is unable to process bilirubin efficiently.

This type of jaundice usually appears 2-3 days after birth and typically goes away on its own within a few weeks.

Breast Milk Jaundice

Breast milk jaundice is a rare form of jaundice that occurs in some breastfed babies. It is caused by a substance in breast milk that can interfere with the liver’s ability to process bilirubin.

This type of jaundice typically appears after the baby is 1 week old and can last for several weeks.

Blood Group Incompatibility

When a baby’s blood type is incompatible with their mother’s, the mother’s antibodies can attack the baby’s red blood cells, causing them to break down and release more bilirubin into the bloodstream.

This type of jaundice typically appears within the first 24 hours after birth and can be severe.

Infection

In rare cases, jaundice can be caused by an infection, such as sepsis or meningitis. This type of jaundice usually appears within the first few days of life and is often accompanied by other signs of infection, such as fever or lethargy.

Treatment for Jaundice

In most cases, treatment for jaundice in newborns is not necessary, as it will typically go away on its own within a few weeks. However, if the bilirubin levels become too high, treatment may be needed to prevent complications.

The most common treatment for jaundice is phototherapy, which involves exposing the baby’s skin to high-intensity light. The light helps break down the bilirubin so that it can be excreted in the stool.

In severe cases, the baby may need to be hospitalized for phototherapy.

In cases of blood group incompatibility, the baby may need a blood transfusion to replace the damaged red blood cells and reduce the amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Preventing Jaundice

While jaundice cannot always be prevented, there are some things parents can do to reduce the risk of their baby developing severe jaundice:.

Ensure that the baby is getting enough to eat, either through breastfeeding or formula feeding
Make sure the baby is getting enough fluids to help flush out the bilirubin
Monitor the baby’s bilirubin levels if they are at a higher risk for jaundice, such as premature babies or those with a family history of jaundice

Conclusion

Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that is usually not cause for concern. While it can be a sign of liver or blood-related problems, most cases of jaundice in newborns are mild and will resolve on their own.

If your baby is showing signs of jaundice, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.