Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice is a common condition in newborns and is rarely something to worry about. Most know it as the yellowing of the skin and will associate it with something serious, such as liver failure. However, the condition of jaundice in newborn babies is different. In most cases, such as with healthy, full term babies, treatment isn’t even necessary. (Although the pediatrician/midwife should be aware of it.)

Physiological jaundice is what newborn babies are likely to develop, not the more rare cases that involve liver disease or incompatible blood type with the mother. In fact, it is quite common for babies to have physiological jaundice: 60% of full term babies will have it and 80% of premature babies will have it.

What is jaundice? Jaundice occurs when a newborn’s bilirubin levels are accelerated in their blood. Blirubin is a chemical that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. Since babies have more red blood cells when they are born, their bodies sometimes have trouble metabolizing the extra bilirubin. This causes a deep yellowing of the skin. Jaundice will first appear at the top of the newborn and the more extreme it becomes, will travel down the baby’s body.

In the case of full term newborns, over half of them will yellow a bit by the second or third day post partum. This usually disappears by the end of the first week. With premature babies, however, it can take much longer. In premature babies, bilirubin levels can climb much higher and may take up to two months to go away. If a newborn is seen to be deeply yellowing, especially if his stomach and/or legs appear yellow, the pediatrician/midwife needs to be notified for further examination.

Babies with jaundice, no matter how minor the case, need to have their bilirubin monitored by a professional. Luckily, with healthy infants, the case will often solve itself. However, if levels are extreme, a baby must undergo phototherapy, which is like a little sun tanning booth for the baby. The lights will help to lower bilirubin. In most cases, however, there will be no cause for alarm as long as the parent and health care provider monitor baby closely.