Newborn jaundice
Newborn jaundice is a yellow colour of the skin and eyes in a newborn baby, caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. It is very common: most babies have some in the first week. It usually appears on day 2 to 4 and goes away by itself within 2 weeks. But jaundice in the first 24 hours, a very deep yellow colour, or jaundice in a baby who is sleepy and not feeding can be dangerous and can harm the brain if not treated.
Symptoms
- Yellow skin, starting on the face and spreading down to the chest, belly and legs
- Yellow whites of the eyes
- A very sleepy baby who is hard to wake for feeds
- Poor sucking or feeding
- Dark yellow urine or pale stools (in some types)
- Danger signs: high-pitched crying, arching of the back, stiff body
Causes
- The newborn liver is still immature and slow to clear bilirubin — the most common cause
- Not getting enough breast milk in the first days
- Premature birth
- A blood group difference between mother and baby (Rh or ABO), or G6PD deficiency
- Infection
- Rarely, liver or bile duct problems (jaundice lasting more than 2 weeks, pale stools)
Prevention
- Start breastfeeding within the first hour and feed 8 to 12 times a day
- Give birth in a health facility and have the baby checked before going home and again on day 2 to 3
- Know your blood group in pregnancy; Rh-negative mothers may need an anti-D injection
- Check the baby skin in daylight every day in the first week
Treatment
- Mild jaundice: frequent breastfeeding and checking that the colour fades
- A blood test to measure bilirubin
- Phototherapy (special blue light) in hospital for higher levels
- Exchange blood transfusion in very severe cases
- Treatment of infection or other causes if found
- Do not put the baby in strong direct sunlight, give sugar water or herbal remedies, or stop breastfeeding — these do not treat jaundice safely
Common questions
Should I put my baby in the sun to treat jaundice?
No. Sunlight is not a safe or reliable treatment — the baby can get burned or become too hot or cold, and serious jaundice may be missed. If you see yellow colour, have the baby checked at a health facility.
Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby has jaundice?
No. Frequent breastfeeding helps the baby pass bilirubin out in the stool. Only stop or change feeding if a doctor tells you to.