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Neonatal jaundice, characterised by the yellowing of a newborn's skin and eyes, is common in infants within the first few days of life. While it often resolves independently without intervention, parents naturally have questions and concerns about their baby's health when they notice these symptoms.
Understanding neonatal jaundice, its causes, treatment options, and potential complications can help alleviate parental anxiety and ensure timely management. In this article, we address some of the most common questions parents may have about neonatal jaundice.
Neonatal jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in a newborn's bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In newborn babies, the liver is still developing and may not be fully efficient at processing bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the body and subsequent yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Several factors can contribute to neonatal jaundice:
Physiological Jaundice:This is the most common type of neonatal jaundice and occurs as a normal part of a newborn's development. It typically appears a few days after birth and resolves within the first two weeks.
Breastfeeding Jaundice: In some cases, insufficient milk intake during breastfeeding can lead to dehydration and increased bilirubin levels. Ensuring adequate feeding and hydration can help prevent or alleviate this type of jaundice.
Significant Bruising During Birth: If a newborn experiences significant bruising during the delivery process, they may have higher levels of bilirubin due to the breakdown of red blood cells.
Blood Type Incompatibility: If a mother and baby have different blood types, the mother's antibodies may attack the baby's red blood cells, causing jaundice.
Neonatal jaundice is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, where the healthcare provider assesses the baby's skin tone and checks for yellowing of the eyes. A blood test may also be performed to measure the level of bilirubin in the baby's bloodstream. The severity of jaundice and the presence of any underlying conditions will determine the course of treatment.
In most cases, neonatal jaundice does not require treatment, as it tends to resolve on its own within a few days to weeks. However, if the jaundice is severe or persists beyond the usual timeframe, treatment may be necessary. Common treatment options include:
Phototherapy: This involves exposing the baby's skin to special lights that help break down bilirubin into a form that can be more easily excreted from the body. Phototherapy is typically administered in the hospital but can also be done at home in certain cases.
Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases of jaundice or when other treatments are ineffective, an exchange transfusion may be performed. During this procedure, a portion of the baby’s blood is replaced with donor blood to reduce bilirubin levels.
Fluids and Nutrition: Ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, particularly in breastfeeding infants, can help prevent and treat jaundice caused by factors such as dehydration or insufficient milk intake.
In most cases, neonatal jaundice is benign and resolves without causing any long-term complications. However, severe or untreated jaundice can lead to complications such as:
Kernicterus: This rare but serious condition occurs when high levels of bilirubin cause brain damage in the newborn. Kernicterus can result in lifelong neurological impairments, including developmental delays, hearing loss, and movement disorders.
Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy: Before kernicterus develops, infants may exhibit symptoms of acute bilirubin encephalopathy, such as lethargy, poor feeding, and abnormal muscle tone. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent progression to kernicterus.
While neonatal jaundice is common and often benign, parents should seek medical attention if they notice:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes within the first 24 hours of life.
- Jaundice that persists beyond two weeks.
- Signs of dehydration.
- High-pitched crying or arching of the back.
While it may not be possible to prevent all cases of neonatal jaundice, certain measures can help reduce the risk or severity of jaundice:
Early and Regular Feeding: Ensuring that newborns receive adequate breast milk or formula feedings can help prevent dehydration and promote the elimination of bilirubin.
Monitoring Bilirubin Levels: Healthcare providers may recommend bilirubin testing for infants at higher risk of jaundice, such as those born prematurely or with blood type incompatibilities.
Follow-Up Care: It's important for parents to attend scheduled well-baby visits and follow any recommendations from healthcare providers regarding monitoring and management of jaundice.
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that affects many newborns in the first days of life. While it can be concerning for parents to see their baby's skin and eyes turn yellow, understanding the causes, treatment options, and potential complications of neonatal jaundice can help alleviate anxiety and ensure timely management. By staying informed and seeking medical attention when needed, parents can help ensure the health and well-being of their newborns. If you’re looking for newborn jaundice treatment in Singapore , reach out to us at Babysteps Medical. We offer house call medical consultations, non-invasive jaundice screening, and home phototherapy treatment. We also provide baby immunisation vaccination and child developmental assessment in Singapore