What Causes Jaundice in Newborns?
The yellow color of an infant’s skin is called jaundice. When bilirubin builds up in the blood of your baby, it causes jaundice. Hyperbilirubinemia, as the medical term is called, is what causes this condition.
Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that your body produces when red blood cell breakdown occurs. While you are pregnant, your body removes bilirubin to benefit your baby. But after birth, your baby’s liver must begin removing bilirubin. Your baby’s liver may not be developed enough to remove bilirubin. Your baby’s skin can turn yellow if excess bilirubin accumulates.
Jaundice is very common in infants. It is usually not serious, and it will go away in a few weeks. Your child’s doctor must check for jaundice. Untreated severe jaundice may cause brain damage.
It can take a few weeks or days for babies to settle into their new appearance. Neonatal jaundice is one condition that can have an impact on their appearance. Here’s everything you need to learn about it
What is Jaundice?
The condition of jaundice occurs when there is an excess amount of bilirubin present in the tissues and blood. This condition is usually caused by liver disease, obstructions of the bile canal, or excessive red blood cell breakdown. It is called neonatal hyperbilirubinemia or physiological jaundice in newborns. This occurs because their livers have not yet developed to remove excess bilirubin.
Is it a Common Problem?
There is mild jaundice in up to 80 per cent of premature newborns and around 60 per cent of full-term babies. However, even if a baby does not show any signs of jaundice, they will still have high levels of bilirubin. Breast milk may also contain a chemical that interferes with the initial breakdown of bilirubin. This can happen until the baby reaches a certain age. It’s not a cause for concern, but it can be a contributing factor to jaundice.
Symptoms of Having Jaundice
The symptoms of jaundice can vary according to the severity of the condition and the age of the infant. Here are some signs to watch out for as reported by Better Health Channel.
- The skin of these people has a yellow tint, which usually appears on the scalp and face first before spreading to other parts.
- Sclera (the white part of the eye) has a yellow tint
- When jaundice is severe, the palms and soles are yellow.
- Unusual sleepiness
- Feeding difficulties
- Dark urine and light-coloured poo (in some cases).
Other Causes of having Jaundice
Jaundice can be caused by other factors in rare cases. If left untreated, this may lead to severe side effects and symptoms such as brain damage and deafness. Biliary Atresia can be one of these conditions. The baby may initially appear healthy, but later develop serious liver disease. This is a case where jaundice can last for more than two weeks. It’s caused by scarring of the tubes that carry bile to the intestine.
This rare form of jaundice occurs when the blood groups of the mother and the second child are not compatible. The mother’s antibodies attack the red blood cells in the baby, which causes more bilirubin to be released. This type of jaundice occurs within the first 24 hours after birth.
Worry About What?
Jaundice is not a cause for concern in newborns. It may seem strange at first, but it will go away quickly. If you notice any of these symptoms (in addition to the jaundice) it’s best to consult a doctor.
- They are not eating well, or they’re unwell.
- Jaundice can appear as early as the first few months of life
- Poo is pale, and wee is dark
- After the first week, jaundice is more visible
- After two weeks, jaundice persists
- The baby was premature or sick.
What to Do if You Have It?
It is usually harmless, and it will disappear after a few weeks. Sometimes, bilirubin can be measured by a simple heel-prick blood test. Babies usually only need to be closely monitored and given fluids (breast milk and formula).
Phototherapy may be needed for a few weeks if the jaundice and bilirubin are severe. The baby is placed in an incubator with blue phototherapy light, covered by eye covers. This allows the ultraviolet light from the lamp to break down excess bilirubin. The ‘biliblanket,’ which is similar to the above method, can be used as an alternative. Both methods are safe and have minimal side effects. The baby may have a mild rash or need extra feedings.
Rarely, in very severe jaundice cases, a baby may need a blood transfusion. Diet changes, medication, and surgery are other more serious treatments.
Jaundice in Newborns
The yellowish color of newborn skin is called jaundice. The yellow color of your baby’s skin is due to a build-up of bilirubin. Their livers haven’t grown enough to eliminate the bilirubin. Jaundice is a very common condition that usually disappears on its own. Phototherapy is sometimes needed for babies.
What are the Types of Jaundice in Newborns?
Here are some types of jaundice that can affect newborns.
Jaundice Physiologic
Physiological jaundice is the most common form of jaundice among newborns. This type of jaundice occurs in newborns. Most newborns develop physiological jaundice by the second or third day. Your baby’s bilirubin will begin to decrease after the liver has developed. The symptoms of physiological jaundice are usually not serious, and they go away by themselves within two weeks.
Breastfeeding Jaundice
Breastfed babies are more likely to develop jaundice than babies who have been formula-fed. Breastfeeding Jaundice is common in the first week of your baby’s life. This happens when your child doesn’t receive enough breast milk. This can be due to breastfeeding difficulties or because you haven’t produced enough milk. Jaundice caused by breastfeeding can take a while to disappear.
Breast Milk Jaundice
Breast milk jaundice and breastfeeding jaundice are two different things. Breast milk substances can influence how your baby’s bilirubin is broken down by the liver. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin. Breast milk jaundice can appear as early as the first week after birth and last for a few months.
If your baby is taking a medication that has no relation to the jaundice, it can cause other types of yellowing.
What is the Frequency of Jaundice Among Newborns?
The condition of jaundice is very common in newborns. Jaundice can affect up to 60% of full-term babies in their first week. 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice in their first week.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of Jaundice?
Yellowing of the skin is the main indicator of jaundice. It is best seen in natural light, like in front of a large window. Usually, it appears on your baby’s cheeks first. Your baby’s whites of their eyes and the area under their tongue can appear yellow.
The yellowing of your baby’s arms, legs, chest, and abdomen may increase as the level of bilirubin rises. If your baby’s skin is darker, it may be harder to detect jaundice. You can still tell if jaundice is present in your baby by looking at the color of his or her eyes, and also under their tongue.
When your baby’s blood contains too much bilirubin, it can cause jaundice. Bilirubin is a chemical that your body produces when it breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin is normally removed from your blood by the liver. When you poop, your body eliminates it.
It can build up if your baby’s liver is not developed enough to eliminate bilirubin. The yellowing of your baby’s complexion is caused by the buildup. Jaundice is most common in the first few days after birth. It takes a few weeks for the liver of your baby to mature and become better at removing bilirubin.
If your baby is suffering from:
- The blood infection ( sepsis).
- You may have a different type.
- Bruising after a difficult delivery.
- Too Many Red Blood Cells.
- Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
- The liver is affected by a condition called biliary Atresia.
How Can Jaundice be Diagnosed in Newborns?
While you are still in the hospital, your baby’s healthcare provider checks for jaundice. The highest bilirubin levels will occur when your baby is three to five weeks old. Your baby’s healthcare provider should check them again in this timeframe.
By placing a probe onto your baby’s head, your healthcare provider can determine your baby’s bilirubin levels. This test measures the transcutaneous (TcB). Your baby’s healthcare provider may order a test if this level is too high. Your baby’s heel will be pricked to obtain a small amount of blood. The total serum bilirubin level is determined by the blood test.
What is the Treatment for Jaundice in Newborns?
Jaundice is not usually treated in newborns. As your baby’s hepatic development continues, mild levels of jaundice will usually disappear on their own. This may take up to two weeks. You can encourage your baby to poop (have bowel movements) by feeding them frequently (10-12 times per day). This will help your baby get rid of excess bilirubin.
Your healthcare provider may recommend treatment if your baby’s level of bilirubin is high or continuing to increase. Your baby will be stripped and placed in front of a special blue light. The baby will only wear a diaper with a mask over their eyes to protect them.
The phototherapy helps the liver eliminate excess bilirubin. Your baby will not be harmed by the lights. The phototherapy treatment can take up to two days. You may be able to treat your child at home with light therapy if your baby’s levels of bilirubin are not too high.
If phototherapy fails, the healthcare provider of your baby may recommend an exchange Transfusion. A transfusion exchange replaces some of the blood in your baby with donated blood.
How Long Can Jaundice Last in Newborns?
Normal for newborns to have jaundice. Jaundice in newborns is normal. Jaundice usually goes away by itself in formula-fed infants within two weeks. Jaundice in breastfed babies can last up to a month.
How Can I Prevent Jaundice in My Newborn?
Normal jaundice is not preventable in newborns. Feeding your baby frequently can help reduce the chance that they will develop severe jaundice. Regular bowel movements are stimulated by frequent feedings, which helps your baby eliminate the bilirubin.
- Breastfed Babies You should feed your child eight to twelve times per day in the first week.
- Formula-fed Babies: Give your baby 1 to 2 ounces (30-60 milliliters), of formula, every two to three hours during the first week. At least eight feedings should be done in 24 hours.
Make sure that your baby’s healthcare provider also checks the bilirubin levels before you leave the hospital. Plan a second visit to check the bilirubin levels of your baby during his or her first week.
