Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments



Newborn jaundice is a common condition that affects many newborn babies, characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, a yellow pigment that is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.

The causes of newborn jaundice can be divided into two categories: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is a normal and harmless condition that occurs in most newborns and is caused by immaturity of the liver, which is not yet able to efficiently remove bilirubin from the blood. Pathological jaundice, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as blood type incompatibility or infection.

Symptoms of newborn jaundice include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which usually appear within the first two to three days of life. In severe cases, jaundice can also cause the baby to be sleepy, have a poor appetite, and have a high-pitched cry.




Treatment for newborn jaundice varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. In most cases, treatment is not necessary as the condition will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, in more severe cases, treatment may be necessary to prevent complications such as brain damage. Phototherapy is the most common treatment option, which involves exposing the baby to special blue lights which help break down the bilirubin in the blood. Blood transfusion is another option if the jaundice is caused by a blood type incompatibility.

It's important for parents to monitor the jaundice levels of their newborn and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms. Newborn jaundice is a common condition, but early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.

Best Resources:

The Basics of Newborn Jaundice - WebMD
Many newborn babies develop jaundice, a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes are yellowish in color, within a few days after birth. In fact, about half of all newborns develop mild jaundice in the first few days. In premature babies, jaundice may start early and last longer than in full-term babies.

Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention - Healthline
Newborn jaundice is a yellowing of a baby's skin and eyes. Newborn jaundice is very common and can occur when babies have a high level of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during normal breakdown of red blood cells. ... However, a newborn's still-developing liver may not be mature enough to remove bilirubin. Breast Milk Jaundice · ‎Bilirubin Blood Test · ‎Breastfeeding Diet 101

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Infant jaundice - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Infant jaundice occurs because the baby's blood contains an excess of bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin), a yellow-colored pigment of red blood cells. ... Infant jaundice usually occurs because a baby's liver isn't mature enough to get rid of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Jaundice in Healthy Newborns - KidsHealth
Physiological (normal) jaundice: Most newborns have this mild jaundice because their liver is still maturing. It often appears when a baby 2 to 4 days old and ...





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