Beware of Neonatal Jaundice: A Condition of Newborn Yellowing You Need to Know

Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns, marked by yellowish skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. In most cases, the condition is mild and improves on its own, but prompt recognition is essential to avoid serious complications.

Jaundice is caused by factors such as premature birth, dehydration, or certain health conditions that slow the liver’s ability to remove bilirubin.

There are two types of neonatal jaundice:

Physiological Jaundice, which appears on the 2nd or 3rd day after birth. In full-term babies, bilirubin levels usually don’t exceed 12 mg/dL, while in premature infants, the threshold is 10 mg/dL. The yellow color typically fades in 2–3 weeks.

Pathological Jaundice, occurring within the first 24 hours of birth, is characterized by a bilirubin increase of more than 5 mg/dL in 24 hours. It is more serious, especially if the yellowing persists beyond day 7 in full-term babies or day 14 in preemies.

Bilirubin levels can be checked through blood tests or a non-invasive Jaundice Meter, which measures levels painlessly through the baby’s skin.

Phototherapy is a common treatment for lowering high bilirubin. Without proper care, the condition can lead to acute bilirubin encephalopathy, causing permanent brain damage such as hearing loss or disability.

Frequent breastfeeding—8 to 12 times daily—can help naturally reduce bilirubin levels.

Dear PRAMITA friends, if signs of jaundice are present, consult a doctor immediately for screening and treatment. Early detection ensures the baby’s healthy development.