Newborn jaundice is a common condition that affects many newborn babies in the first few days of their life. It is characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the baby’s blood. While it may seem alarming to new parents, newborn jaundice is usually harmless and can be easily treated. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about newborn jaundice including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and more.
What is Newborn Jaundice?
Newborn jaundice, also known as neonatal jaundice, is a condition that occurs when a baby’s liver is not fully developed and is unable to process bilirubin efficiently. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. In a healthy adult, the liver processes and gets rid of bilirubin, but in newborns, the liver is still immature and may struggle to keep up with the high levels of bilirubin produced.
When there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood, it can cause a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is known as jaundice. This yellowing is most noticeable in the face and abdomen area, and may gradually spread to other parts of the body. In most cases, newborn jaundice appears within the first three to five days after birth and clears up within two weeks without any intervention.
Causes of Newborn Jaundice
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of newborn jaundice. These include:
Physiological Jaundice
Physiological jaundice is the most common type of jaundice in newborns, affecting approximately 60% of all babies. It occurs due to the natural breakdown of red blood cells, which release bilirubin into the bloodstream. The immature liver of a newborn may not be able to process this excess bilirubin quickly enough, leading to jaundice.
Breastfeeding Jaundice
Breastfeeding jaundice occurs when a baby does not receive enough breast milk in the first few days after birth. This can happen for several reasons, such as delayed milk production, latch issues, or a mother’s difficulty with breastfeeding. When a baby does not receive enough milk, they may become dehydrated, causing their body to produce more bilirubin than usual.
Breast Milk Jaundice
Breast milk jaundice is a rare form of jaundice that affects approximately 1% of breastfed babies. It occurs when substances in the mother’s breast milk interfere with the breakdown of bilirubin in the baby’s liver. This type of jaundice usually develops after the first week of life and can last for a few weeks or even months.
Blood Type Incompatibility
Sometimes, newborn jaundice can occur due to blood type incompatibility between the mother and baby. This happens when the mother has a different blood type than the baby, and her antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells, causing them to break down more rapidly and release excess bilirubin into the bloodstream.
Inherited Conditions
In some cases, newborn jaundice can be caused by inherited conditions that affect how bilirubin is processed in the liver. Some of these conditions include Gilbert’s syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and Dubin-Johnson syndrome.
Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice
The main symptom of newborn jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. However, there are other signs that parents should look out for, including:
- Yellowing of the face, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet
- Yellowing of the chest and abdomen area
- A yellow tint to the whites of the eyes
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Poor feeding or lethargy
- High-pitched crying
- Difficulty waking up for feeds
It is essential to note that not all babies with jaundice will display these symptoms, and some may only have a slight yellow tinge to their skin.
Diagnosis of Newborn Jaundice
If you notice any signs of jaundice in your newborn, it is important to speak with your doctor. They will perform a physical examination and may also request a blood test to check the levels of bilirubin in your baby’s blood.
The most common method of testing for jaundice is through a transcutaneous bilirubinometer. This device uses light to measure the amount of bilirubin in the skin. If the levels are high, your doctor may recommend a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Newborn Jaundice
In most cases, newborn jaundice will resolve on its own without any treatment. However, if the levels of bilirubin are too high or if there are other underlying medical conditions, treatment options may be necessary. Some of the most common treatments for newborn jaundice include:
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is a common treatment used to reduce the levels of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. During this treatment, the baby is placed under special blue lights that help break down the bilirubin in the skin. The baby’s eyes will be covered to protect them from the bright lights, and they may need to wear a special mask to prevent them from getting dehydrated.
Exchange Transfusion
Exchange transfusion is a more invasive treatment option that involves replacing the baby’s blood with donor blood. This is only used in severe cases of jaundice when the levels of bilirubin are dangerously high. The procedure carries some risks, and it will only be done under strict medical supervision.
Supplemental Feedings
If a baby has breastfeeding jaundice, doctors may recommend supplementing with formula to ensure that the baby is getting enough milk. In some cases, a mother’s breast milk may need to be supplemented with formula or donor milk until her milk supply increases.
Complications of Untreated Newborn Jaundice
While most cases of newborn jaundice are harmless and resolve on their own, there can be complications if it is left untreated. These may include:
Severe Jaundice
In rare cases, newborn jaundice can become severe and may lead to a condition called kernicterus. This is a type of brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood and can have long-term effects on a child’s development.
Dehydration
If a baby is not feeding well due to jaundice, they may become dehydrated. This can cause additional health issues and may require medical intervention.
Brain Damage
High levels of bilirubin in the blood can also affect the brain and cause damage if left untreated. This can lead to developmental delays or other neurological problems.
Prevention of Newborn Jaundice
It is not always possible to prevent newborn jaundice, but there are some steps that parents can take to reduce the risk or severity of the condition. These include:
- Breastfeeding within the first hour after birth
- Ensuring that the baby is feeding well and receiving enough milk
- Monitoring for signs of jaundice and seeking medical help if necessary
- Making sure that the baby receives all recommended vaccinations, including the Hepatitis B vaccine, which can help prevent certain types of jaundice
- Treating any underlying conditions that may contribute to jaundice, such as blood type incompatibility
Conclusion
Newborn jaundice is a common condition that affects many newborn babies. While it may seem concerning, it is usually harmless and can be easily treated. It is important for parents to monitor their newborns for signs of jaundice and seek medical help if necessary. With proper care and treatment, most cases of newborn jaundice will resolve without any long-term effects.