What causes Infant Jaundice?

Jaundice is an abnormal yellow pigmentation of the skin to the conjunctiva of the eyes because of bilirubin excess in the blood. Here, our doctors at GEM Hospital explain what jaundice is and why it happens.

Bilirubin

These red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your baby's body. Ordinarily, yellow waste that comes from the breakdown of these red blood cells is removed by the liver.The liver in some newborns may be immature and unable to dispose of the bilirubin in due time. The resultant accumulation causes the yellow color in jaundice.

Types of Jaundice in Infants:

• Physiologic jaundice: The most common type, affecting about 60% of babies, typically sets in by day 2-4 after birth and peaks by 1 week. The healthy liver catches up promptly, and the jaundice resolves on its own within 2 weeks.
• Jaundice of Breast-Feeding: Frequently, breastfeeding tends to raise the level of bilirubin to a slightly higher proportion, with no harmful effect but corrected by more frequent breastfeeding.
• Other causes: Jaundice could also be a very rare sign of an underlying problem, such as blood group incompatibility between the mother and the baby or infection. Some may even require further evaluation or treatment.

When to Call the Doctor:

• If your baby's jaundice appears very early (within 24 hours of birth).
• The yellowness seems intense or worsens.
• Your baby is not feeding well or seems lethargic. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for severe cases of jaundice.

Taking Care of Your Jaundiced Baby:

• Frequent feeding: Breastfeeding or formula feeding helps the baby eliminate bilirubin through bowel movements.
• Phototherapy: In some cases, doctors may recommend a special light treatment to help break down bilirubin in the skin. Schedule an Appointment: Please do not hesitate to show your baby to one of our specialist pediatricians at GEM Hospital if you find any abnormality in relation to jaundice. We will guide you with personalized advice and do the needful for the best care of your baby.