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Does My Baby Have Jaundice? What Are the Treatments?

How Can You Tell if Your Baby Has Jaundice?

- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

- Dark yellow urine

- Light-colored stools

- Fussiness

- Poor feeding

- Lethargy

- Fever

What Causes Jaundice in Newborns?

- Physiological jaundice: This is the most common type of jaundice and is caused by the baby's liver being immature and unable to process bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. Physiological jaundice usually appears on the second or third day of life and peaks on the fourth or fifth day. It typically resolves on its own within two to four weeks.

- Breast milk jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by a compound in breast milk that can increase bilirubin levels. Breast milk jaundice usually begins around the fifth or sixth day of life and can last for several weeks. It is usually not harmful and does not require treatment.

- Other causes of jaundice can include:

- Liver disease

- Gallbladder problems

- Pancreatic problems

- Infections

- Certain medications

How Is Jaundice Treated?

The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, physiological jaundice does not require treatment and will resolve on its own. However, some babies may need treatment if their bilirubin levels are too high. Treatments for jaundice may include:

- Phototherapy: This is the most common treatment for jaundice and involves exposing the baby to a special type of light that helps break down bilirubin.

- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): IVIG is a blood product that can help remove bilirubin from the baby's blood.

- Exchange transfusion: This is a procedure in which the baby's blood is replaced with donor blood.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if your baby has any of the following symptoms of jaundice:

- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes that does not go away after two weeks