Waiting for the arrival of your little one is an exciting and joyful time, but it can also bring some concerns for new parents. One common condition that may affect newborns is jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. While newborn jaundice is typically harmless and resolves, it's important to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about newborn jaundice, helping you feel more confident in recognising the signs and seeking the right care for your baby.
What is Newborn Jaundice?
Newborn jaundice, also called infant jaundice or neonatal jaundice, is a condition where a newborn's skin and eyes appear yellow. This occurs due to high bilirubin levels, a yellow pigment, in the baby’s blood. It is especially common in premature and breastfed infants since their livers are not yet mature enough to effectively remove the excess bilirubin. In most cases, the condition resolves naturally as the baby begins to feed and the body adapts.
Parents should keep an eye on their newborn’s jaundice symptoms and seek medical advice if the yellowing worsens or persists. Early intervention can prevent jaundice complications and ensure the baby’s health.
Causes of Newborn Jaundice
Here are the main reasons for newborn jaundice:
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Excess Bilirubin (Hyperbilirubinemia):
The main reason for newborn jaundice is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and helps remove it from the bloodstream, passing it into the intestines. However, in newborns, the liver may not be fully developed, making it less effective at clearing bilirubin, leading to its buildup and causing jaundice.
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Premature Birth and Insufficient Breast Milk:
Newborn jaundice is more common in premature babies, especially those born before 37 weeks of gestation. Their underdeveloped livers are less capable of processing bilirubin efficiently. Additionally, newborns who do not receive enough breast milk or struggle to feed may also be more prone to jaundice, as feeding helps the body eliminate bilirubin.
READ: Breast feeding – A gift that lasts a lifetime
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Incompatible Blood Types Between Mother and Baby:
If the blood type of the baby is incompatible with the mother’s, it can lead to the development of antibodies in the baby’s body. These antibodies attack and break down red blood cells, increasing bilirubin levels and heightening the risk of jaundice.
Neonatal Jaundice Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of newborn jaundice can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In cases of mild jaundice, you may notice the following symptoms in your baby:
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (called sclera)
- Persistent drowsiness
- Itchy skin
- Poor feeding habits
- Pale stools and dark-coloured urine
In severe cases, the signs of jaundice in newborns include:
- Yellowing of the abdomen and limbs
- Constant drowsiness
- Insufficient weight gain
- Yellowing of the eyes
- Difficulty feeding
In most cases, jaundice resolves within a few weeks, but in some instances, it may last up to a month.
If you notice any symptoms of newborn jaundice in your baby, seek medical help immediately. Delaying treatment can put your baby’s health at risk. With timely and appropriate care, your baby can recover quickly.
Newborn Jaundice Treatment
Infant jaundice is a common condition in newborns and often resolves on its own within two weeks. In most cases, it does not require treatment unless it persists or worsens over time. The main treatments for newborn jaundice include:
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Phototherapy (Light Therapy):
This treatment uses a special light to help break down bilirubin in the baby’s skin. The baby is placed under a special light, typically without clothes except for eye protection. The light helps convert bilirubin into a form that can be easily eliminated from the body through excretion. The light is safe, as a shield is used to block harmful ultraviolet rays.
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Exchange Blood Transfusion:
This treatment is considered if phototherapy is not effective. In an exchange transfusion, some of the baby’s blood is removed and replaced with fresh blood to lower bilirubin levels. This procedure is done in an intensive care unit under close medical supervision.
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Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg):
If the baby’s blood type is incompatible with the mother’s, IVIg may be used. This treatment involves giving the baby a transfusion of immunoglobulin, which helps neutralise the antibodies from the mother that can attack the baby’s red blood cells. This helps reduce the bilirubin levels caused by the breakdown of red blood cells.
With proper treatment, the effects of newborn jaundice can typically be managed effectively, allowing the baby to recover quickly.
READ: Newborn Care Importance
Take Away
The arrival of your newborn brings immense joy, but it can also come with concerns, such as newborn jaundice. Understanding its causes, recognising the symptoms, and knowing the treatment options can help ensure your baby stays healthy and receives the right care.
In most cases, the effects of newborn jaundice are temporary and resolve as the baby’s body adapts. However, if left untreated or if bilirubin levels remain high, it can lead to complications. Early diagnosis and intervention, such as phototherapy or other treatments, can help your baby recover quickly and safely.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, don’t hesitate to contact a paediatric doctor for guidance.
