Jaundice In Newborns: When To Worry & How To Manage It
Did you know that jaundice affects nearly 60% of newborns?1 It's a common condition that causes a yellowish tint to your baby's skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the blood. While it’s usually harmless and often clears up on its own, most of the time, it can signal something more serious.1
To help you navigate this, we’ll walk you through the signs, causes, and steps you can take to manage jaundice in newborns. So stay tuned.
Jaundice In Newborns: Explained!
Jaundice (or hyperbilirubinemia) happens when a newborn has a build-up of bilirubin, a substance produced when red blood cells break down. Since a baby’s liver is still developing after birth, it might not process bilirubin as efficiently, causing it to build up in the blood. This excess bilirubin leads to a yellowish tint in the skin and the whites of the eyes, which are the main signs of jaundice. 1 2 3
Other signs may include:3
- Yellowish tint appearing on baby’s face and spreading to the chest, abdomen, arms, and legs
- Poor feeding or difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Excessive sleepiness
- Fussiness or irritability
Types Of Jaundice In Newborn
Here are the different types of jaundice in newborns, each with its causes, timing of onset, and duration:4
Type of Jaundice |
Description |
When it Develops |
How Long Does It Last |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiological Jaundice | It is common and usually harmless. It’s caused by the baby's immature liver not processing bilirubin effectively. | 2-3 days after birth | Clears by 10-14 days |
| Pathological Jaundice | It occurs when bilirubin levels rise abnormally and need medical attention | Within the first 24 hours | Lasts more than 2 weeks |
| Breastfeeding Jaundice | It is common in breastfed babies | 24-72 hours after birth | Resolves in 3 weeks |
Hemolytic Jaundice (Rh, ABO, G6PD Deficiency) |
|||
| Rh Hemolytic Disease | It occurs when an Rh-negative mother has an Rh-positive baby, causing maternal antibodies to attack the baby’s red blood cells. | Within the first 24 hours | Ongoing if untreated |
| ABO Incompatibility | When an O blood group mother gives birth to an A or B blood group baby, causing jaundice. | Within the first 24 hours | Varies, and may last days to weeks |
| G6PD Deficiency | A genetic disorder causing red blood cells to break down, leading to jaundice. | Varies, usually within 24-48 hours | Lasts longer depending on the severity |
Causes Of Jaundice In Newborn
The primary causes of jaundice in newborns include:3
- A blood infection (sepsis).
- Different blood type than that of the mother
- Bruising to the baby from a prolonged or tough delivery
- Excessive red blood cells.
- A low oxygen level (hypoxia).
- An immature liver which is not able to process bilirubin efficiently.
- Genetic disorders such as G6PD deficiency (a condition when the body doesn't have enough enzyme called G6PD to help red blood cells work correctly) 4
How Is Jaundice In Newborns Diagnosed?
Jaundice in newborns is diagnosed through a physical examination that checks for yellowing of the skin and eyes, along with a blood test to measure bilirubin levels. This process helps determine the severity of the condition and necessary treatment steps.3
As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, the level of bilirubin in your baby’s blood helps determine if treatment is needed. The chart is based on your baby’s age and bilirubin level: 3
Serum Bilirubin Levels |
Age of Baby |
|---|---|
| Above 10 mg | Less than 24 hours old |
| Above 15mg | 24-48 hours old |
| Above 18 mg | 49-72 hours old |
| Above 20 mg | Older than 72 hours |
Jaundice In Newborn: Treatment
If jaundice in newborns doesn’t go away on its own and bilirubin levels keep rising, doctors may recommend treatment to reduce the levels, including: 5
- Phototherapy: It is a treatment in which the baby is placed under special blue lights. These lights help lower bilirubin levels in the baby's body. The blue light breaks down the bilirubin, allowing the body to excrete it easily through urine and stool. Thus, this helps to clear up jaundice in newborns.
- Exchange Blood Transfusion: In severe cases of high bilirubin levels, doctors may suggest an exchange blood transfusion. This procedure involves the removal of the baby's blood and replacing it with fresh donor blood.
Tips To Reduce Newborn Jaundice Naturally
Frequent feeding can help reduce the risk of severe jaundice in your baby. It can help improve the baby’s regular bowel movements, which flush out bilirubin.3
- For breastfed babies: Try to breastfeed 8–12 times a day during the first week.
- For formula-fed babies: Feed your baby every 2–3 hours, ensuring at least 8 feeds in 24 hours.
When Should You Contact A Doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if the symptoms persist longer or if: 3
- The baby’s skin turns bright yellow or orange.
- The baby appears unusually fussy or irritable.
- The baby has trouble feeding (whether breastfeeding or formula-feeding).
Conclusion
Jaundice in newborns is often a temporary and manageable condition. However, other newborn health issues like anaemia and metabolic disorders can have a significant impact on a child's life. So, as a parent, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your baby's long-term health right from the beginning.
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FAQs:
1. Is Jaundice In Newborns Serious?
Jaundice is common in newborns and is usually not a serious issue as it often goes away on its own within two weeks. If it lasts longer, it's good to get checked by a doctor. 3
2. How is Jaundice Treated in Newborns?
Severe jaundice in newborns is treated with phototherapy or an exchange blood transfusion. 3 5
3. How Does Newborn Jaundice Resolve?
Newborn jaundice resolves naturally when the baby's liver matures with age and becomes more effective at processing bilirubin. Regularly feeding the baby also helps flush out bilirubin through stools.3
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