Jaundice in Newborns: Causes, Treatment & Recovery
Dr. Het Pujara4 min read
That yellowish tint on your newborn’s skin and eyes within the first few days of life is most likely jaundice — and it’s one of the most common conditions in newborns. While it usually resolves on its own, understanding it helps you respond appropriately.
What causes newborn jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellow substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up faster than your baby’s liver can process it. Newborns produce more bilirubin than adults, and their immature livers need time to catch up. This is called physiological jaundice and typically appears on day 2–3 of life.
When jaundice needs attention:
Jaundice that appears within the first 24 hours of birth (pathological jaundice) requires immediate evaluation. Other concerns include rapidly rising bilirubin levels, jaundice lasting beyond 2 weeks, poor feeding or excessive sleepiness, a high-pitched cry, and dark urine or pale stools.
How jaundice is treated:
Phototherapy (light therapy) is the most common treatment. Your baby is placed under special blue-spectrum lights that help break down bilirubin in the skin. In mild cases, frequent breastfeeding helps the body flush bilirubin naturally. In rare, severe cases, an exchange transfusion may be necessary.
Monitoring at home after discharge:
Check your baby’s skin colour in natural daylight daily. Gently press on the forehead or nose — if the skin looks yellow when pressed, bilirubin may still be elevated. Ensure frequent feeding (8–12 times per day) and watch for adequate wet nappies (at least 6 per day by day 4).
When to return to the hospital:
If your baby’s yellow colour deepens or spreads to the arms and legs, if they refuse to feed, become very sleepy or difficult to wake, or develop a fever, seek medical attention immediately.
In our NICU, we monitor bilirubin levels closely with phototherapy and, when needed, exchange transfusion — so most babies are back with their parents within days.
Topics
- jaundice
- newborn
- bilirubin
- phototherapy
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