Jaundice in newborn babies, also known as neonatal jaundice, is a common condition characterized by the yellowing of a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes. This yellowish discoloration is a visual indicator of elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. While newborn jaundice is oftenPhysiological and resolves without intervention, understanding what jaundice is, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments is crucial for parents and caregivers.
It’s important to note that detecting jaundice can be more challenging in babies with darker skin tones. In these cases, the yellowing may be more apparent in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Besides the distinctive yellowing of the skin and eyes, other symptoms of newborn jaundice can include:
- Dark yellow urine: A newborn baby’s urine should ideally be colorless. Darker, yellow urine can be a sign of jaundice.
- Pale-colored stool: A healthy newborn’s stool is typically yellow or orange. Pale or clay-colored stool can be another indicator of jaundice.
Symptoms of newborn jaundice typically emerge about two days after birth. In many instances, these symptoms are mild and improve naturally within two weeks without requiring medical treatment.
Find out more about the symptoms of jaundice in babies
Newborn babies are routinely screened for jaundice as part of their newborn physical examination, usually conducted within 72 hours of birth. This proactive approach helps in early detection and management of jaundice. If you observe signs of jaundice in your baby after this initial examination, it’s essential to consult with your midwife, health visitor, or a general practitioner (GP) promptly for advice and assessment.
While most cases of newborn jaundice are not a cause for serious concern, it is vital to determine if treatment is necessary to prevent potential complications. If you are monitoring your baby’s jaundice at home, immediate contact with your midwife is crucial if you notice a rapid worsening of symptoms or if your baby becomes significantly less interested in feeding.
Find out more about diagnosing jaundice in babies
Why Do Newborns Develop Jaundice? Understanding the Causes
Jaundice arises from an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Newborns are particularly susceptible to jaundice due to two primary factors:
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Higher Red Blood Cell Count and Breakdown: Babies are born with a higher concentration of red blood cells, which are then broken down and replaced more frequently after birth. This natural process leads to increased bilirubin production.
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Immature Liver Function: A newborn baby’s liver is not yet fully mature. The liver’s role is to process bilirubin, making it water-soluble so it can be excreted from the body in urine and stool. An immature liver is less efficient at this process, leading to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
Alt: Close-up of baby feet showing yellow skin tone, indicating a symptom of newborn jaundice.
Typically, by the time a baby reaches about 2 weeks of age, their liver function improves significantly. The liver becomes more effective at processing bilirubin, and in most cases, jaundice resolves itself without causing any harm.
However, it’s important to recognize that in some instances, jaundice can be a symptom of an underlying health issue. This is more likely when jaundice appears very soon after birth, within the first 24 hours.
How Common is Jaundice in Newborn Babies?
Newborn jaundice is remarkably common, affecting a significant portion of newborns. It is estimated that approximately 6 out of every 10 babies will develop jaundice. This rate is even higher in premature babies, with about 8 out of 10 babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy experiencing jaundice.
Despite its common occurrence, it’s reassuring to know that only a small percentage of babies, around 1 in 20, develop bilirubin levels high enough to necessitate medical treatment.
Interestingly, breastfeeding has been linked to an increased risk of newborn jaundice, and in breastfed babies, jaundice can sometimes persist for a month or longer. The exact reasons for this correlation are not fully understood. However, it is widely accepted that the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mother far outweigh the potential risks associated with jaundice.
Treating Newborn Jaundice: When and How
In the majority of cases, treatment for newborn jaundice is not required. The condition usually resolves naturally within 10 to 14 days. However, if bilirubin levels are found to be very high through blood tests, treatment is recommended. This is because there is a small risk that very high bilirubin levels could cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially cause brain damage.
Two primary treatments are used in hospitals to rapidly lower a baby’s bilirubin levels:
- Phototherapy: This involves exposing the baby’s skin to a special type of blue light. The light alters the bilirubin molecules under the skin, converting them into a form that the liver can process and excrete more easily.
Alt: Newborn baby undergoing phototherapy treatment for jaundice, wearing eye protection under blue light.
- Exchange Transfusion: In more severe cases, an exchange transfusion may be necessary. This procedure involves gradually removing small amounts of the baby’s blood and replacing it with donor blood. This effectively reduces the bilirubin concentration in the baby’s bloodstream. Most babies respond well to these treatments and can typically be discharged from the hospital within a few days.
Potential Complications of Untreated Jaundice: Kernicterus
If newborn jaundice with very high bilirubin levels is left untreated, there is a risk of a rare but serious complication called kernicterus. Kernicterus is a type of permanent brain damage caused by bilirubin build-up in the brain.
Kernicterus is very uncommon in developed countries like the UK due to routine screening and effective treatments for jaundice.
Find out more about kernicterus in babies
For further in-depth information, you can consult the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days.
In conclusion, jaundice in newborn babies is a common condition that usually resolves on its own. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments is important for parents. Routine check-ups and prompt medical advice when symptoms are observed ensure timely management and minimize any potential risks associated with newborn jaundice.
