As everyone wants to become a parent. Parenting is among the most joyful or precious times of life. But it also raises concerns regarding the newborn’s lifestyle, food, and most importantly, the baby’s health. Do you know that Jaundice among newborn babies is one of the most prevalent complications observed during the first days of life? This causes the skin and eyes of the baby to appear yellowish. When most parents know about this, they tend to get scared. But the fact is that jaundice is normal in babies. In most cases, it is not harmful.
If you consult a doctor, then you understand that jaundice occurs due to the underdeveloped liver of the baby. It fails to eliminate a substance called bilirubin in the blood rapidly. This causes the baby’s skin and eyes to turn yellow. It lasts 1-2 weeks and usually disappears on its own.
But the biggest question of every parent: Is newborn jaundice normal or something to worry about? The doctor’s response here would depend on the severity of the jaundice. Its early manifestation and the duration. It is not something to worry about in mild cases. Extremely high bilirubin may have an impact on the brain and the general health of the baby. In this blog, we learn why parents should be aware of the warning signs and know when they should be concerned about jaundice in newborns.
What is Jaundice?
Let me explain in a simpler way that Jaundice is a disease in young children. It occurs when the skin and eyes turn yellow. This occurs because of the accumulation of bilirubin. A yellowish pigment that is produced as a result of the breaking of red blood cells. Newborns begin with a higher number of red blood cells than adults, therefore quickly increasing the bilirubin levels. The liver is used to process and remove bilirubin, but in babies, the liver is still developing, such that the process is slower.
Is newborn jaundice normal?
It is a common concern about Jaundice in newborns. In most cases, it is very common and temporary. Jaundice occurs in about 60-70% of babies within the first week of life. This is normally mild and self-limiting without medication as the liver of the baby becomes stronger. Breastfed babies are more exposed to jaundice because they receive less fluid during the initial few days, thereby retarding the process of eliminating bilirubin.
Key Points for Parents:
- It commonly occurs in approximately 60-70% of infants during the first week.
- Nondisruptive, usually mild in nature and without treatment, fades in 1-2 weeks.
- It can be caused by an immature liver that is not able to deal with bilirubin fast enough.
- More prevalent among breastfed babies because there is less fluid intake at any time.
- Recommended to be checked by a doctor at all times to exclude serious causes.
- This consideration is when jaundice is either too early or persistent.
Signs of Jaundice
- The baby appears very sleepy and is hard to get up.
- Inadequate or insufficient feeding.
- Skin that is dark yellow or orange and extends from the face to the legs, stomach, and chest.
- Urine that is dark in colour.
- Chalky or pale stools.
Causes of Newborn Jaundice
Typical Causes:
- Physiological jaundice: the mild, natural kind that most infants have.
- Breastfeeding jaundice occurs when babies do not receive enough milk in the first few days.
- Blood group incompatibility occurs when the mother’s and baby’s blood types do not match (Rh or ABO issue).
- Premature birth: kids born too soon are more likely to have jaundice and have weaker livers.
- Infections or liver disease are uncommon but serious medical causes.
When to worry about jaundice in newborns?
Knowing when to worry about jaundice in newborns is a big concern for parents. These are warning signals, yet the majority of cases are mild:
- If, during the first 24 hours of life, jaundice develops.
- If the yellow colour develops or spreads quickly.
- Should jaundice continue for longer than two weeks?
- If the infant struggles to wake up or is too drowsy to eat.
- If the infant cries loudly or moves strangely.
These symptoms could point to elevated bilirubin levels if left untreated, which can cause problems, including kernicterus, or brain damage.
Home Care Tips for Parents
- Breastfeed your baby regularly to clear the bilirubin.
- Keep a track of the skin colour and eye colour of your baby.
- Take your baby out to the indirect lighting of the sun for a few minutes (as recommended by the doctor).
- Make frequent follow-up visits to monitor bilirubin.
Conclusion
One of the most prevalent medical conditions in the first week of Jaundice in newborns. Most of the time, it is mild and disappears as the child grows. Jaundice might occasionally indicate a more serious health issue that requires medical attention. Parents should therefore remain vigilant, monitor their infant’s skin, eyes, and eating patterns, and seek medical attention if symptoms seem out of the ordinary or last longer than anticipated. Early care ensures your child’s safety and well-being.
We at HiiMS (Jeena Sikho) support natural, gentle, and efficient care for moms and infants. For individualised care, get in touch with HiiMS (Jeena Sikho) right now if you have health concerns about your child or get ayurvedic treatment for infant jaundice.
FAQ
Q1. Do newborns have normal jaundice?
It is very frequent and there is no harm, as a rule, during the first week of life.
Q2. At what age should parents be concerned about jaundice in infants?
In case it occurs within the first 24 hours, beyond 2 weeks, or when the baby is too tired to eat.
Q3. What is the treatment of jaundice in infants?
The majority of cases resolve themselves, but extreme cases might require a doctor’s consultation.
Q4. Will breastfeeding result in jaundice among babies?
It can occur because of reduced feeding at the beginning of the course of feeding; however, the frequency of breastfeeding assists.
Q5. What can parents do to avoid the complications of jaundice?
This is done by checking the skin and eyes of the baby daily and visiting a doctor as soon as there is a cause for concern.
Reviewed By Dr. Ankita Rajkumar Varma