By Dr Lulu
Contact: healthdiaries@yahoo.com
Jaundice is a common condition occurring in newborns and babies that can worry many new mothers. It presents as a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. While mild jaundice is usually harmless, it’s important to understand when to seek medical attention.
Why does Jaundice occur in newborns?
In newborns, especially those born prematurely, the liver is still immature and may not be able to remove bilirubin efficiently. This leads to a temporary build-up. This is known as “physiological jaundice” and typically appears 2–4 days after birth, fading within two weeks without treatment.
Types of Jaundice:
- Physiological Jaundice – The most common type in newborns; generally harmless and self-limiting.
- Breastfeeding Jaundice – Occurs in the first week due to insufficient intake of breast milk.
- Breast Milk Jaundice – Can appear later (after the first week) and may last longer, but is usually not dangerous.
- Pathological Jaundice – Caused by infections, blood group incompatibility (such as Rh or ABO incompatibility), or liver diseases. This type requires immediate attention.
Mothers should watch for:
- Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of birth
- Deep yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Poor feeding or excessive sleepiness
- High-pitched crying or arching of the back
- Yellowing spreading to the arms and legs
- Jaundice lasting more than 2–3 weeks
If any of these signs appear, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Doctors diagnose jaundice by examining the baby and measuring bilirubin levels through a blood test. Treatment usually depends on the severity:
- Mild cases often resolve with frequent breastfeeding.
- Moderate to severe jaundice may require phototherapy (light treatment) to help break down bilirubin.
- In very rare cases, an exchange transfusion may be necessary if bilirubin levels are dangerously high.
Jaundice is common and usually treatable when detected early.
As a mother, staying informed and alert to your baby’s symptoms is the best way to ensure a healthy start.
