References:
What is Jaundice?
- A condition that causes a newborn’s skin and the white part of the eyes to appear yellow because there is too much bilirubin in the baby’s blood
- Bilirubin is a yellow substance that is made from the normal breakdown of old red blood cells
- Too much bilirubin in the baby’s blood can occur because too much bilirubin is made or because the liver cannot get rid of bilirubin quick enough
- The body eliminates bilirubin through stool and urine
- Jaundice can be common in newborns and usually occurs within the first 5 days of life
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice?
- Skin and white part of eyes appear yellow
- First appears on the face and chest
- May seem very tired, fussy, and have difficulty feeding
- High pitched cry
Will Jaundice Hurt my Baby?
- It is usually not harmful to most babies and disappears once the body learns how to deal with bilirubin
- In a very small number of babies, the bilirubin level can become too high, and, as a result, can affect the brain cells
How Do I know if My Baby’s Bilirubin is high?
- All newborns are checked for jaundice before the baby leaves the hospital
- A blood test is done to check bilirubin levels at 24 hours of life
- This test informs the healthcare team whether the baby needs treatment, or needs repeat testing
How is Jaundice Treated?
- Frequently jaundice goes away on its own after 1-2 weeks
- Sometimes babies require phototherapy to treat jaundice
- The baby is exposed to a special light
- The skin absorbs the light and changes the bilirubin so the body can more easily remove it through the urine and stool
- Phototherapy is usually done in the hospital
- It is safe, and the eyes and genitals are protected during treatment
- An increase in the baby’s milk intake can also help to treat jaundice
After we go home, When should I call the doctor?
- Baby refuses feeds or is not feeding well
- Baby is sleepy all the time
- Baby has lost more than 10% of their birth weight
- Jaundice appears to be getting worse
Further Your Learning:
- Sick Kids-About Kids Health – Jaundice in Newborns
- HealthLinkBC – Jaundice in Newborns (Hyperbilirubinemia)
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