Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice in newborns is a common condition that causes a yellowing of the baby's skin and eyes. It occurs due to high levels of yellow pigment (bilirubin)formed during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice is usually harmless and resolves on its own, in some cases it may require medical care.

In this article, we will explain what causes newborn jaundice, how to recognise it, when to worry and the treatment options available to ensure your baby stays healthy and safe.

What is Jaundice in Newborns?

Neonatal jaundice is the yellowing of a baby's skin and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin that forms during the breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, their growing liver might not process bilirubin as efficiently as in adults and causes its accumulation.

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Causes of Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice in newborns is occurred due to an excess buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Here are the common reasons this happens:

Immature Liver Function: Most newborns have an underdeveloped liver that can't process bilirubin quickly enough, especially in the first few days after birth.
Increased Red Blood Cell Breakdown: Newborns have more red blood cells than adults and these cells break down faster, producing more bilirubin.
Breastfeeding Jaundice: Occurs when a baby doesn't get enough breast milk in the first few days, leading to dehydration and low bilirubin clearance.
Breast Milk Jaundice: Some substances in breast milk can slow bilirubin breakdown in the liver, leading to prolonged jaundice (typically harmless).
Blood Type Incompatibility: If the mother and baby have different blood types (like Rh or ABO incompatibility), the baby's immune system may attack red blood cells, increasing bilirubin levels.
Bruising During Birth: Babies who experience birth trauma may develop bruises that increase red blood cell breakdown.
Prematurity: Preterm babies are more likely to have an immature liver function and develop jaundice.

Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice in newborns appears within the first few days after birth. Here are the common signs:

Yellowing of Skin and Eyes: The most noticeable symptom is a yellow tint on the baby's face, chest and whites of the eyes. It may spread to the arms, legs and abdomen as bilirubin levels rise.
Poor Feeding: Babies with jaundice may be too sleepy or weak to feed well, which can worsen the condition.
Lethargy or Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking the baby for feeds can be a sign of rising bilirubin.
Dark Urine: While newborn urine is typically colourless, jaundice may cause it to appear dark yellow or orange.
Pale or Light-Colored Stool: Especially in breastfed babies, stools should be yellow. Pale or chalky stools may signal liver or bile duct issues.
High-Pitched Cry: An unusual or shrill cry can be an alarming sign of severe jaundice or bilirubin levels affecting the brain (kernicterus).

When to Worry about Jaundice in Babies

Here are some common signs that indicate a need for medical care:

Yellowing spreads to the legs, palms or soles.
Baby is very sleepy or difficult to wake for feeds.
Refuses to feed or feeds poorly.
High-pitched crying or irritability.
Dark yellow or brown urine.
Pale or chalky-coloured stools instead of yellow or green.
Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours after birth.
Symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks in full-term babies or 3 weeks in preterm babies.

Treatment of Jaundice in Children

Most newborns child with jaundice recover without any complications but treatment require when the bilirubin levels are too high. Here are the main treatment options:

Most common treatment for moderate to severe jaundice.
The baby is placed under special blue spectrum lights that help break down excess bilirubin in the skin.
The eyes are protected with patches and the baby may wear only a diaper for better light exposure.

Signs of Recovery from Jaundice in Newborns

As treatment begins or bilirubin levels drop naturally, you'll notice signs that your baby is recovering:

Yellowing fades.
Improved feeding habits and better alertness.
More active and responsive baby.
Regular bowel movements
Normal-colored urine like light yellow or clear.
Gradual weight gain and steady growth.

If you are not sure about the progress or signs, it's best to consult your pediatrician for bilirubin level monitoring and follow-up care.

How to Prevent Jaundice in Children?

Jaundice in newborns is often harmless and resolves naturally, certain steps can help reduce the risk or severity of the condition. Prevention mainly focuses on supporting the baby's ability to clear bilirubin effectively.

Ensure early and frequent feeding: Breastfeed the baby 8–12 times a day in the first few days after birth. This helps pass more stool, which removes bilirubin from the body.
Monitor baby's skin and eyes: Check for yellowing of the skin, especially on the face and chest and the whites of the eyes during the first week of life.
Attend follow-up appointments: Make sure to visit the doctor 2–3 days after birth for bilirubin level checks, especially if your baby was discharged early.
Discuss risk factors with the doctor: If the baby is premature, has a different blood type than the mother or had a sibling with jaundice, inform your pediatrician to plan early screening.
Prenatal care for mothers: Managing health conditions like diabetes and checking for Rh or ABO incompatibility during pregnancy can help reduce newborn jaundice risk.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should see a doctor if your child is experiencing the following symptoms:

Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours after birth.
Jaundice worsens after the first week of life.
The baby becomes lethargic or difficult to wake.
The baby is showing poor feeding behaviour.

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Conclusion

Jaundice in newborns is a common condition, especially during the first week of life. In most cases, it is mild and resolves on its own with proper feeding and monitoring. However, severe jaundice can lead to complications if left untreated. That's why early detection, timely medical evaluation and appropriate care are essential. With good prenatal care, regular checkups after birth and awareness of the symptoms, parents can ensure their baby's health and safe recovery from jaundice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, to a certain extent. Mild jaundice is common in newborns due to their developing liver. However, severe jaundice may require medical attention.

Breastfeeding jaundice is caused by inadequate milk intake, while breast milk jaundice is linked to substances in breast milk that affect bilirubin metabolism.

Signs of severe jaundice include increased yellowing, lethargy, poor feeding, and a high-pitched cry. Immediate medical attention is necessary.

Slight yellowing of the eyes is often a normal part of the newborn period. However, if it worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor.

No, jaundice is not contagious. It's caused by the baby's physiological processes and is unrelated to older siblings.