Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin of the newborn infants and their sclerae (the white part of the eye), which indicates high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice usually occurs on the fifth day of the life of the newborn infants, commonly after they leave the hospital. Therefore, the doctor may request to examine the infant 3 – 6 days following their birth.
Most of the infants suffer mild jaundice following their birth, which usually disappears on its own within one or two weeks causing no harm. However, jaundice must be taken seriously. In some rare cases high bilirubin levels that remain high without intervention could affect the brain, causing lifelong problems.
What are the causes of jaundice in newborns?
Red blood cells break down in the human body on regular basis, resulting in a yellow substance called bilirubin. The body gets rid of bilirubin by excreting it into the digestive system. During pregnancy, bilirubin is transferred from the fetus to the mother through the placenta. After birth, the body of the infant must get rid of the bilirubin on its own. Some of the organs of the baby have not yet fully developed which make it difficult to do so, causing the bilirubin to accumulate in its body. This occurs in the first 24 hours of the baby's life and gets worst on the third or the fourth day until it disappears in a week's time.
In some rare cases, jaundice is caused by an infection, a digestive system problem, or RH compatibility. If jaundice appears before the baby turns one year old, the doctor may suspect one of these issues.
What are the symptoms of jaundice?
If the baby has jaundice, yellow color of the skin and the sclerae will be noticeable. This first appears in the face and chest on the first day following the fifth day of the birth. The symptoms include:
• Increased yellowness of the skin and sclerae.
• The baby is lethargic.
• Does not feed well.
• Bad mood and feeling panicky.
• Arched back.
• Intense crying.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician.
How is jaundice diagnosed in babies?
The doctor will examine the baby and may ask you a few questions on your health and your baby's such as your blood types. The doctor may use a device on the baby to determine the bilirubin level and may request some tests.
How is jaundice treated?
Your baby will need to be treated if the bilirubin level is higher than normal levels in newborns. The treatment is through a process where the baby is exposed to a certain type of light, which takes place in a hospital. The skin absorbs this light, which changes the bilirubin so that the body can get rid of it more easily. The treatment will vary, if the high level of bilirubin is caused by something else.
How can you help your baby?
• Check your baby's skin twice a day to make sure the natural skin color is restored. If the baby is dark-skinned, check the eyes.
• Do all the tests the doctor asks for.
• Contact the doctor, if the yellowness is brighter after three days of age.
• Make sure your baby gets adequate feeding to help its body dispose of the bilirubin. If you breastfeed it naturally, offer it 8-12 feedings a day. If you use formula milk, offer the normal feedings (6-10 times a day). Consult your doctor, if you feel your baby is not getting enough milk.