Do you know Neonatal jaundice affects up to 80% of newborns? It’s important to monitor and treat it early to prevent severe complications. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies to protect your baby’s health.
Neonatal jaundice, or hyperbilirubinemia, is quite a frequent condition among newborns, impacting roughly 60% of full-term babies and 80% of preterm babies.
It generally appears during the first few weeks of life because the immature liver struggles to process bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells.
Although neonatal jaundice is usually benign and often resolves within a couple of weeks, careful monitoring and management are important.
Jaundice should be assessed before a newborn is discharged from the hospital and again within five days of leaving. If not treated, elevated bilirubin levels can cause serious complications, including brain damage.
What Are the Causes of Severe Jaundice?
Take a look at some of the most common causes of severe jaundice among new borns:
- Infections
- certain Liver conditions
- lack of oxygen
- High levels of haemoglobin
- Birth injuries
One of the medical experts in Neonatology and Pediatrics explains, “If a baby’s bilirubin levels are elevated, the infant may need a short hospital stay for phototherapy. In rare instances where phototherapy fails, an exchange transfusion may be required.”
Tips for early recovery and prevention
- Regular Feeding: Offering frequent feedings helps lower bilirubin levels by encouraging regular bowel movements, which aid in eliminating bilirubin.
- Observation: Regularly check the infant’s bilirubin levels, especially if there are factors that increase the risk of severe jaundice.
- Early Detection: Watch for signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
- Optimal Birthing Practices: Addressing any birth-related issues promptly can help reduce the likelihood of severe jaundice.
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