Jaundice in Babies and Newborns

Jaundice is a common condition that affects many newborns. Jaundice is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a waste product that is produced when red blood cells break down. Bilirubin is normally excreted by the liver, but in newborns, the liver is not yet fully developed, and it may not be able to remove bilirubin from the body quickly enough.

In this article, we will cover the different types of jaundice, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Is jaundice common in newborns?

Jaundice is a common condition among newborns. Approximately 60% of full-term babies develop jaundice in their first week of life, while up to 80% of premature infants may develop it within the same timeframe.

Risk factors for severe jaundice in newborns:

• Breastfeeding difficulties, dehydration, or low-calorie diet
• Premature birth
• Bruising during delivery
• Nature of blood type

Types of jaundice in newborns:

• Physiological jaundice (most common, usually harmless and heals within 2 weeks)
• Breastfeeding jaundice (caused by inadequate breast milk, common in first week)
• Breast milk jaundice (caused by substances in breast milk, can last a month or more)

Symptoms:

• Yellowing of skin and eyes appears 2-4 days after birth
• Bilirubin levels peak at 3-7 days after delivery. Normal bilirubin levels: 0.3-1.0 mg/dl (total); 5.2 mg/dl (direct)
• Phototherapy is initiated if total serum bilirubin level is ≥15 mg/dl within 25-48 hours of birth
• Other symptoms: drowsiness, seizures, high-pitched wailing, changes in muscle tone, black and yellow urine, poor feeding, pale stools

Causes:

• Viral or bacterial infection is the most common cause
• Premature birth (before 37 weeks), spherocytosis, blood type incompatibility, inadequate milk/formula intake, liver problems can also cause jaundice.

Diagnosis:

• Visual examination: based on appearance of infant
• Bilirubin tests: skin test, blood and urine tests
• Other tests: blood tests to investigate severity
  • Compatibility of blood groups
  • The bay's complete blood count
  • Detecting an infection or an enzyme deficit
  • Examining red blood cells to see if antibodies are bound to them

Treatment

• Mild jaundice may resolve on its own
• Phototherapy: blue spectrum light to break down bilirubin
• Exchange transfusion: In severe cases, transfusion is done - to replace damaged red blood cells
• Home remedies: frequent feeding, supplementation, short breaks, sunlight

Prevention

Jaundice in babies is common and cannot normally be prevented.

Feeding your baby frequently can help to lower the risk of severe jaundice. Frequent feedings promote regular bowel movements, which aid in the removal of bilirubin from your infant.

• Breastfed babies - During their first week of life, you should breastfeed your infant 8 to 12 times a day.
• Formula-fed babies - During their first week of life, you should give your infant 30 to 60 mL of formula every two to three hours. In a 24-hour period, make sure to feed at least eight times.

Also, make sure your baby's bilirubin level is checked before you leave the hospital. To have your baby's bilirubin level checked again, schedule a follow-up visit within his or her first week of life.

Get expert medical advice from our team of experienced pediatricians within 15 minutes or emergency-consultation for your child's health and development. Sign up for Babynama's care plans today to get unlimited access to chat with a pediatrician directly on WhatsApp to get answers to your child's health-related queries and the best possible care. Babynama's aim is to provide fast, reliable, and quality healthcare support to parents. Be a part of Babynama today!