Newborn Jaundice: Signs Parents Should Know

Introduction

Newborn jaundice is a common condition in babies, especially during the first few days after birth. It happens when there is a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow substance produced when red blood cells break down.

Parents may notice a yellow colour on the baby's skin or in the whites of the eyes. In many babies, jaundice is mild and improves as the baby's body develops. However, some babies may need medical assessment and treatment.

Knowing the signs of newborn jaundice can help parents seek medical advice when needed.

1. What Is Newborn Jaundice?

Newborn jaundice occurs when the bilirubin level in a baby's blood becomes elevated.

A baby's liver may need some time to process bilirubin efficiently after birth. As a result, bilirubin can build up and cause a yellowish appearance.

Jaundice may be noticed on:

• The face

• The chest

• The abdomen

• The arms and legs

• The whites of the eyes

The appearance and severity of jaundice can vary from one baby to another.

2. When Does Jaundice Usually Appear?

Jaundice often develops during the first few days after birth. It may become more noticeable around the second or third day.

Parents should pay attention to any change in their baby's skin colour and inform the healthcare team if they notice yellowing.

Newborns may also need bilirubin monitoring based on their age, health and other risk factors.

Parents should:

• Attend scheduled newborn checkups.

• Follow the feeding advice provided by the healthcare team.

• Keep track of the baby's feeding and wet diapers.

• Inform the doctor if the yellow colour appears to be increasing.

• Follow up if the baby has been advised to have bilirubin testing.

3. What Signs Should Parents Watch For?

The most noticeable sign of newborn jaundice is yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Parents may also notice:

• Yellow skin, especially on the face

• Yellowing that spreads towards the chest, abdomen or legs

• Yellow colour in the whites of the eyes

• Poor feeding

• Unusual sleepiness

• Difficulty waking the baby for feeds

If the baby appears increasingly yellow or seems unwell, parents should contact a healthcare professional.

4. Why Is Feeding Important?

Regular feeding helps babies receive the nutrition and fluids they need during the early days of life.

Parents should follow the feeding plan recommended by their paediatrician or newborn care team.

Pay attention to:

• How often the baby feeds

• Whether the baby is feeding effectively

• The number of wet diapers

• The baby's general activity

• Any changes in feeding behaviour

If a baby is difficult to feed, repeatedly refuses feeds or is unusually sleepy, medical advice should be sought.

5. When Does Newborn Jaundice Need Medical Attention?

Most newborn jaundice is mild, but some babies may develop higher bilirubin levels that require assessment and treatment.

Parents should seek medical attention if:

• Jaundice appears very early after birth.

• The yellow colour is becoming more noticeable.

• The baby is feeding poorly.

• The baby is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.

• The baby appears unwell.

• Jaundice continues longer than expected.

• Parents are concerned about the baby's condition.

A doctor may recommend a bilirubin test to determine whether further treatment is required.

6. How Is Newborn Jaundice Managed?

Treatment depends on the baby's bilirubin level, age, overall health and other factors.

Mild jaundice may only require monitoring and appropriate feeding. If bilirubin levels become too high, treatment such as phototherapy may be recommended.

The healthcare team may monitor:

• Bilirubin levels

• Feeding

• Weight

• Hydration

• General activity

• Progress of jaundice

Parents should not give medicines or other home remedies for jaundice unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Maruti Hospital's Paediatrics department provides newborn and child healthcare services, including assessment and monitoring of newborn health.

Conclusion

Newborn jaundice is common and often improves as a baby's body becomes better able to process bilirubin. However, parents should pay attention to changes in their baby's skin colour, feeding and activity.

Regular newborn checkups and timely medical assessment can help identify babies who need closer monitoring or treatment.

If your baby develops jaundice or you are concerned about feeding, sleepiness or other changes, consult a paediatrician for appropriate guidance and care.