Jaundice in Newborns
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Overview
Jaundice in newborns is a common condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This yellow color results from a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. In newborns, jaundice typically appears within the first few days after birth and is usually harmless. However, in some cases, high levels of bilirubin can lead to complications and require medical intervention.
What Causes Jaundice in Newborns?
Newborn jaundice occurs because a baby’s liver is not yet mature enough to efficiently process bilirubin. Common causes include:
Normal in many newborns due to immature liver function.
Caused by insufficient breast milk intake, leading to dehydration and higher bilirubin levels.
Occurs due to substances in breast milk that increase bilirubin absorption.
When the mother and baby have incompatible blood types (e.g., Rh or ABO incompatibility), it can cause increased breakdown of red blood cells.
Premature babies have even less mature liver function, increasing jaundice risk.
Such as infections, bruising during birth, or genetic disorders affecting red blood cells.
Who is at Risk for Jaundice in Newborns?
- Premature infants born before 37 weeks of gestation.
- Babies with blood type incompatibility with their mothers.
- Infants who have difficulty feeding or are dehydrated.
- Babies with bruising during delivery or internal bleeding.
- Newborns with a family history of jaundice or genetic disorders.
What Are the Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborns?
- Yellow discoloration of the skin, starting on the face and progressing downward.
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes.
- Poor feeding or lethargy in more severe cases.
- Dark urine and pale stools.
How is Jaundice in Newborns Diagnosed?
- Physical examination: Doctors assess the degree and spread of yellowing on the baby’s skin and eyes.
- Blood tests: Measure bilirubin levels in the baby’s blood to determine severity.
- Transcutaneous bilirubinometry: A non-invasive device that measures bilirubin levels through the skin.
- Additional tests: May be done if jaundice is severe or prolonged to identify underlying causes such as blood incompatibility or infections.
How is Jaundice in Newborns Treated?
- Phototherapy: The most common treatment, where the baby is placed under special blue spectrum lights that help break down bilirubin in the skin.
- Feeding support: Ensuring the baby is feeding well to promote bilirubin elimination through stool and urine.
- Exchange transfusion: In severe cases, blood may be partially replaced to rapidly lower bilirubin levels.
- Monitoring: Mild jaundice often resolves without treatment but requires regular monitoring by healthcare professionals.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is crucial to seek immediate medical care if the baby:
- Appears very sleepy or difficult to wake.
- Shows poor feeding or refuses to eat.
- Has jaundice that spreads to the chest or limbs or worsens after 2 weeks of age.
- Exhibits high-pitched crying or arching of the back.
How Can Liver Transplantation Portal Help You?
While jaundice in newborns is often temporary and treatable, severe or prolonged jaundice can indicate underlying liver or blood disorders requiring expert care. Liver Transplantation Portal connects families to top pediatric liver specialists and hospitals experienced in managing neonatal liver conditions.
If your newborn requires advanced treatment or liver transplantation due to severe liver disease, our platform ensures personalized guidance and support throughout the process of donor matching and transplant care.
Why Choose Liver Transplantation Portal?
At Liver Transplantation Portal, we are committed to providing comprehensive care solutions for newborns and children with liver diseases. Our trusted network of specialists offers cutting-edge treatments and liver transplantation options tailored to your child’s unique needs.
We ensure families have access to the best resources and expert support—commission-free and with compassion at every step.
Contact us today to learn more about managing newborn jaundice and accessing expert liver care for your child.