Newborn jaundice

*Jaundice is a common condition in newborns occurring in the first few days and weeks following birth, it occurs because newborns have more blood cells than adults, and these cells break down more quickly. It causes a yellowish tint to the skin and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment in the blood. While jaundice is usually harmless, understanding its causes and when to seek medical advice is also important.*

### **What is Jaundice?**

Jaundice occurs when the baby’s liver is still developing and isn’t yet able to process bilirubin efficiently. This leads to a build up of bilirubin in the blood, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to appear yellow. It’s very common, affecting around 60% of newborns.

- Physiological Jaundice: This is the most common type, usually appearing 2-3 days after birth. It’s temporary and typically resolves on its own as the baby’s liver matures after 2 weeks.

- Pathological jaundice: This is much more rare and may occur before 24 hours old and may be caused by underlying health conditions.

### **What are the signs of jaundice?**

- Yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is often most noticeable in the face, and then the chest, arms, and legs. This can be difficult to see with darker skin so look at the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

- Poor feeding or lethargy in some cases.

- Pale coloured poo, it should be yellow or orange.

- Dark yellow urine, new born urine should be pale.

### **When should you seek medical advice?**

Most jaundice cases are mild and resolve without intervention, but it’s important to monitor your baby’s symptoms. Seek medical attention if:

- The jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of life.

- The yellowing worsens or spreads rapidly.

- Your baby seems unusually sleepy or has trouble feeding.

### **What are the treatment options?**

- **Increased feeding:** Ensuring your baby is breastfeeding regularly can help remove bilirubin through bowel movements.

- **Phototherapy:** Exposure to special blue light helps break down bilirubin in the skin.

- **Exchange transfusion:** In rare cases, when jaundice is severe and does not respond to treatments like phototherapy, an exchange transfusion may be necessary. This procedure involves slowly removing small amounts of your baby’s blood and replacing it with donor blood. The goal is to reduce the high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream and prevent complications like brain damage.

While jaundice is common in newborns, it’s generally mild and temporary. Regular check-ups during the first few weeks of life help ensure it’s being properly managed. If you have concerns about your baby’s jaundice, consult your midwife for guidance.