MOST COMMON CONDITION OF THE
NEWBORN: NEONATAL JAUNDICE.
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that affects newborn babies within the first few
days of life. It is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, caused
by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. While most cases are harmless and resolve on their
own, some can be severe and require urgent medical treatment.
In this article, we’ll discuss the main causes of neonatal jaundice, best treatment, how long it
takes to cure, and possible complications parents and caregivers should know.
WHAT IS NEONATAL JAUNDICE
Neonatal Jaundice is the yellowing of a newborn’s skin and eyes caused by high bilirubin in
the blood, which happens when a baby’s liver can’t process all the bilirubin from the broken
down red blood cells.
Approximately 60% of full term babies develop jaundice during their first week of life. As
many as 80% of premature babies develop jaundice during their first week.
CAUSES OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE
Newborns produce more bilirubin than adults because of the faster red blood cell
breakdown.
The immature liver struggles to filter this bilirubin quickly enough, leading to excess build up,
hyperbilirubinemia which causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as Jaundice.
Possible Causes include:
● Blood type incompatibility such as rhesus factor (Rh) or ABO.
● Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis).
● Conditions that affect how the body processes bilirubin like Gilbert’s syndrome and
Crigler-Najjar syndrome.
● Diabetes in the birthing parent.
● Congenital hypothyroidism
● Intestinal obstruction
● Pyloric stenosis
● Breast milk jaundice, which is a reaction to substances in the milk.
● Breastfeeding jaundice, which can happen if the baby isn’t feeding well.
● Blood infection
● Bruising from a difficult birth
● A low oxygen level (hypoxia)
● Pathological jaundice can also be caused by certain medications, such as certain
antibiotics.
TYPES OF NEWBORN JAUNDICE.
● Physiological jaundice
Physiological jaundice is the most common, accounting for 75% of cases. This just means
the baby’s metabolism cannot clear out bilirubin as quickly as it is produced. This type
typically develops in a few days and clears up on its own in a few weeks when the
breakdown of red blood cells slows and liver function improves.
● Pathological jaundice
Pathological jaundice means that there is another underlying condition that is causing a
problem with filtering out bilirubin. This may show up in the first 24 hours after birth.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE.
1.) Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes.
2.) As the level of bilirubin increases, the yellowing may move to the baby’s chest, belly
(abdomen), arms, and legs.
3.) High pitched crying
4.) Irritability
5.) Lethargy
6.) Limp or floppy muscles
7.) Poor feeding
RISK FACTORS
1.) Premature birth
2.) Family history and genetics
3.) Race
4.) Blood Group Incompatibility
5.) Maternal conditions.
DIAGNOSIS
Though distinct yellow coloring confirms that the baby has jaundice, additional tests may be
needed to determine the severity.
Babies who develop jaundice will get a bilirubin blood test to determine the levels of bilirubin
in their blood.
To see if a baby’s jaundice is due to an underlying condition, additional tests that may be
done include Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood type testing, and Rh incompatibility
testing.
A coombs test may be done to check for antibodies that show an elevated risk of increased
red cell breakdown (hemolysis).
COMPLICATIONS OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE
● Acute bilirubin encephalopathy
● Kernicterus
● Long term problems like hearing loss, and developmental delays.
PREVENTION AND PARENTAL TIPS.
1.) Start breastfeeding early and feed often.
2.) Attend all newborn check-ups.
3.) Watch for yellowing within the first 24 hours; this is a red flag.
4.) Don’t wait. Seek medical help if jaundice looks severe.
TREATMENT OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE
The treatment of jaundice in newborns depends on how high the bilirubin levels are, the
baby’s age in hours, and whether there are risk factors. While mild cases resolve on their
own, some babies need medical care.
- Treating the Underlying Cause
If jaundice is due to another condition (such as infection, blood group incompatibility, or
G6PD deficiency), treating that condition is necessary along with jaundice therapy.
Key Point: For most babies, phototherapy+ frequent feeding is enough to cure jaundice
safely. Severe cases are rare but require urgent hospital care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
● Can sunlight cure neonatal jaundice?
Mild cases may improve with indirect sunlight, but phototherapy is safer and more effective.
Don’t rely on sunlight alone.
● Is jaundice dangerous for newborns?
Most cases are mild, but untreated severe jaundice can cause permanent brain damage.
● How long does jaundice last in babies?
Typically 1–2 weeks, but breast milk jaundice may last longer without causing harm.
● Can jaundice come back after treatment?
Yes, but it’s usually mild and temporary. Doctors often recheck bilirubin after treatment.
● When should I worry?
If jaundice starts within 24 hours, spreads quickly, or your baby is too sleepy to feed, see a
doctor immediately.
CONCLUSION
Neonatal jaundice is common, usually harmless, and often clears on its own. Still, early
detection and treatment are key to preventing serious complications.
Takeaway for parents: Feed your baby often, attend postnatal check-ups, and never ignore
yellowing that looks unusual. With timely care, your baby can recover safely.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
If you’re a new parent and worried about jaundice in your baby, don’t wait. Talk to your
pediatrician for guidance. Share this article with other parents—it could save a baby’s life. - Frequent Feeding
Feeding your baby often (8–12 times daily) helps them pass stool and urine, which removes
bilirubin.
Both breast milk and formula feeding are effective, but breastfeeding should be encouraged
if possible. - Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Most common treatment.
The baby is placed under a special blue light that breaks down bilirubin into a form that the
body can easily eliminate.
Safe and effective.
Eye protection is given to shield the baby’s eyes. - Intravenous Fluids
In some cases, extra fluids through a vein may be given to help flush out bilirubin, especially
if the baby is dehydrated. - Exchange Transfusion
Used in severe cases when bilirubin is dangerously high.
The baby’s blood is gradually replaced with donor blood to quickly lower bilirubin.
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