Taking home a newborn is a happy moment for any parent, but it is also accompanied by worries regarding their tiny tot's health. Among the most prevalent illness in newborns is neonatal jaundice—a condition where a baby's eyes and skin become yellow. Though it may appear serious, in the majority of instances, it is totally benign and subsides on its own. But in a few instances, medical intervention can be required to avoid complications. Let's see why neonatal jaundice occurs, its symptoms, and the most effective treatment options available.
What is Neonatal Jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice happens when a newborn baby has too much bilirubin in their blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that forms when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it from the body. But in newborns, the liver is still developing and may not be able to process bilirubin efficiently. As a result, bilirubin builds up in the blood, causing the skin and eyes to appear yellow.
Most cases of jaundice are mild and disappear within 1 to 2 weeks as the baby’s liver matures. However, in rare cases, high bilirubin levels can be dangerous and require treatment.
Read Also: Neonatal Care Tips for New Parents: What to Expect in the NICU?
What Causes Neonatal Jaundice?
Several factors can cause jaundice in newborns. Let’s look at some common reasons:
1. Physiological Jaundice (Normal Jaundice)
This is the most common type of jaundice, seen in 60% of newborns. It appears around the second or third day after birth and fades within one to two weeks. This happens because a newborn’s liver takes a few days to start working efficiently.
2. Breastfeeding Jaundice
Sometimes, babies don’t get enough milk in the first few days of life, leading to dehydration and poor bilirubin removal. This type of jaundice usually resolves once the baby starts feeding well.
3. Breast Milk Jaundice
This is different from breastfeeding jaundice. Some mothers’ breast milk contains substances that slow down bilirubin breakdown. It usually appears after the first week and can last for a few weeks, but it is harmless and does not require stopping breastfeeding.
4. Blood Type Incompatibility (Hemolytic Jaundice)
If the baby’s blood type is different from the mother’s, the mother’s immune system may attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to faster breakdown and a sudden rise in bilirubin. This type of jaundice requires medical attention.
5. Premature Birth
Babies born before 37 weeks have underdeveloped livers, making it harder for their bodies to process bilirubin. These babies may need special monitoring and treatment.
6. Infection or Liver Problems
In rare cases, infections or liver diseases can lead to prolonged jaundice. These babies may show other symptoms like poor feeding, weight loss, or extreme sleepiness.
Symptoms of Neonatal Jaundice
The main symptom of neonatal jaundice is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. However, there are other signs to watch out for:
- Yellow color spreading: Jaundice usually starts on the face and then moves down to the chest, belly, arms, and legs.
- Dark-colored urine: Newborn urine is usually colorless, but in jaundiced babies, it may appear dark yellow.
- Pale or light-colored stools: Normal newborn stools are yellow or green. If it’s white or pale, it could be a sign of a problem.
- Lethargy: A baby with severe jaundice may be very sleepy and hard to wake up.
- Poor feeding: Some jaundiced babies struggle to suck or feed properly.
How is Neonatal Jaundice Diagnosed?
Doctors check newborns for jaundice before they leave the hospital. If it appears later, parents should watch for yellowing of the skin and eyes and consult a doctor if needed.
Common tests include a physical exam, a bilirubin test using a blood sample or a non-invasive skin device, and additional tests if jaundice is severe or lasts longer than usual. These may check for infections, liver problems, or blood disorders.
Treatment Options for Neonatal Jaundice
Most cases of neonatal jaundice go away on their own without any treatment. However, if bilirubin levels are high, doctors may recommend treatment to prevent complications. The most common treatment options include:
1. Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Phototherapy is the most effective and widely used treatment for jaundice. The baby is placed under a special blue light that helps break down bilirubin in the skin so that it can be easily removed from the body. In some cases, the baby may be placed in a bili blanket that emits the same type of light.
2. Frequent Feeding
Feeding helps remove bilirubin from the baby’s body through urine and stool. Doctors recommend breastfeeding or formula feeding every 2-3 hours to ensure proper hydration and bilirubin elimination.
3. Exchange Transfusion
In very rare cases where bilirubin levels are dangerously high, a baby may need an exchange transfusion. This involves replacing the baby’s blood with fresh donor blood to quickly reduce bilirubin levels.
4. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
If jaundice is caused by blood type incompatibility, IVIG treatment can help reduce bilirubin levels and prevent severe complications.
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
Mild jaundice is common in newborns and usually not a cause for concern. However, parents should seek medical attention if certain signs appear.
Jaundice that develops within the first 24 hours after birth, deep yellow or orange skin, difficulty feeding, excessive sleepiness, or a high-pitched, unusual cry may indicate a more serious issue. If jaundice lasts more than 2-3 weeks, further evaluation is necessary to rule out underlying conditions.
Can Neonatal Jaundice Be Prevented?
While jaundice cannot always be prevented, parents can take steps to reduce the risk. Frequent feeding with breast milk or formula helps the baby eliminate excess bilirubin.
Early checkups are essential, with newborns being screened before hospital discharge and again within a few days. In mild cases, indirect sunlight exposure can help reduce bilirubin levels, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
Conclusion
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that usually resolves on its own. However, in some cases, medical treatment is necessary to prevent complications. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help parents feel more prepared and confident in caring for their newborn. Regular checkups and early detection are key to ensuring a healthy start for your baby.
If you ever have concerns about your newborn’s jaundice, consult a pediatrician immediately for the best advice and care.
FAQ’s
Q1. What is neonatal jaundice?
A: Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns where the skin and eyes appear yellow due to high bilirubin levels in the blood.
Q2. Is neonatal jaundice dangerous?
A: In most cases, neonatal jaundice is mild and resolves on its own. However, very high bilirubin levels can be dangerous and require medical treatment.
Q3. What causes jaundice in newborns?
A: Jaundice is caused by excess bilirubin, which the newborn's liver may not process efficiently. Factors like premature birth, blood type incompatibility, infections, or inadequate feeding can contribute to it.
Q4. When does neonatal jaundice appear?
A: It usually appears within the first few days after birth. Physiological jaundice, the most common type, starts around day 2 or 3 and fades within 1 to 2 weeks.
Q5. How long does neonatal jaundice last?
A: Physiological jaundice typically lasts 1-2 weeks. Breast milk jaundice may persist for a few weeks but is generally harmless. Prolonged jaundice may require further evaluation.
