Understanding Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Newborn jaundice is a common condition that causes a baby's skin and eyes to appear yellow. It occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product from the normal breakdown of red blood cells, in the baby's blood. While it can be alarming for new parents, jaundice is usually harmless and resolves on its own within a few weeks.

What Causes Newborn Jaundice?

Newborn jaundice occurs when a baby's liver is not yet mature enough to efficiently process bilirubin. Some factors that can increase the likelihood of jaundice include:

• Premature birth (before 37 weeks)

• East Asian or Mediterranean descent

• Breastfeeding difficulties or inadequate feeding

• Having a sibling who had jaundice

• Being born to a mother with type O or Rh-negative blood

In some cases, jaundice may be caused by underlying conditions such as infections, liver problems, or blood type incompatibility between the mother and baby.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice

The most noticeable sign of jaundice is a yellowing of the baby's skin and the whites of their eyes. The yellowing usually starts on the face and then spreads to the chest, stomach, and finally, the legs and arms. Other symptoms that may indicate severe jaundice include:

• Poor feeding or lack of wet diapers

• Difficulty waking the baby

• Inconsolable crying or high-pitched crying

• Unusual eye movements

• Stiffness or limpness in the baby's body

Diagnosing and Treating Newborn Jaundice

Doctors can usually diagnose jaundice by visually examining the baby. They may also perform a blood test to measure the level of bilirubin in the baby's blood. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the jaundice.

Treatment for newborn jaundice depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases often resolve on their own with frequent feedings to help the baby pass more bilirubin through their stool. For more severe cases, treatment options may include:

• Phototherapy: Exposure to special blue-green light that helps break down bilirubin

• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): A blood protein given through an IV to help stop the breakdown of red blood cells in cases of blood type incompatibility

• Exchange transfusion: A blood transfusion that replaces the baby's blood with donor blood in severe cases

Preventing Complications from Newborn Jaundice

While newborn jaundice is usually harmless, severe and untreated cases can lead to a rare condition called kernicterus, which can cause permanent brain damage. To help prevent complications, parents should seek medical attention if they notice signs of jaundice or if their baby is not feeding well.

Frequent feedings and exposure to sunlight can help prevent and manage mild cases of jaundice. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for newborn jaundice, parents can work with their healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for their babies.

The Bottom Line

Most newborn jaundice resolves naturally with frequent feeding and monitoring, but any yellowing in the first day of life or progression below the chest requires immediate medical attention to prevent brain damage. If you're concerned about yellowing in your newborn or having feeding difficulties, Doctronic can help you determine if urgent care is needed.