Jaundice in Newborns: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

The birth of a newborn is the purest moment of joy, but babies may face a few common health concerns, with one of the most common ones being jaundice in newborns. It is a mild condition that causes the baby to develop a yellowish tint on the skin and eyes, and is common in most babies in India and globally. The promising news? It is usually short-term and is manageable through soft treatment of newborn jaundice and observation.

What is Neonatal Jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is a condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes of a newborn assume a yellow appearance because of increased bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a natural substance formed when red blood cells break down. Newborns have not yet fully developed their liver, which is involved in the breakdown of bilirubin, so there is a temporary effect of increasing levels of bilirubin.

There are different types of newborn jaundice, including:

•       Physiological jaundice: the most common and harmless, usually appearing 2–4 days after birth.
•       Breastfeeding jaundice: This may happen when the infant is not feeding properly at first.
•       Breast milk jaundice: develops a few days after the first week of life and is common in healthy babies, but usually goes away on its own.

Why Do Newborns Get Jaundice?

Babies often develop jaundice because their bilirubin levels are higher, and their livers need time to adjust with bilirubin. In India, studies suggest that over half of full-term newborns may experience jaundice in their first week within the initial week of life. Neonatal jaundice is quite common in newborn babies. In India, studies show that it affects between 60% and 80% of newborns.

In the majority of circumstances, neonatal jaundice is minimal and self-limiting. However, a medical assessment is vital to ensure that the level of bilirubin stays within a safe limit.

Causes of Jaundice in Newborns 

Here are some causes of jaundice in newborn:

•       Physiological causes: immature liver function and increased red blood cell count.
•       Premature birth: the livers of preterm babies take longer to develop. Even environmental factors such as extreme heat or seasonal variations may also affect infant health, making preventive care even more important for parents.
•       Breastfeeding jaundice: because of inadequate milk consumption during the first days.
•       Incompatibility of blood group: mother and baby.
•       Birth bruising: may cause more bilirubin in the blood.

Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborns

The symptoms of jaundice in newborns are not difficult to notice:

•       Facial skin yellowing (down the body).
•       The whites of the eyes are turning yellow.
•       In some cases, sleepiness or less feeding.

When you see these symptoms of newborn jaundice, visit a paediatrician immediately. Choosing the right child specialist early on helps parents feel confident about managing newborn health concerns. To get the best possible neonatal jaundice therapists, visit the best paediatrician for newborn care.

How Is Jaundice Diagnosed in Newborns?

It is necessary to diagnose jaundice in newborns early to prevent the development of complications. During birth and the initial days, the doctors pay close attention to the yellow color of your baby’s skin, gums, and eyes. Diagnosis may involve:

•       Physical Examination: Using natural light to examine the skin for yellow color.
•       Bilirubin Blood Test: A small blood sample is taken, and the level of bilirubin in the blood is measured to ensure that the severity is confirmed.
•       Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer Test: a painless and fast scan of the baby’s forehead or chest to determine bilirubin without the use of needles.
•       Surveillance Risk Factors: Monitoring risk factors such as premature birth, feeding issues, or family history that may require closer observation.

Newborn jaundice treatment offers newborn screening that can identify jaundice before it becomes a serious condition, so the level of slight jaundice in newborn can be corrected early, and parents will be relieved that their baby is doing fine.

Treatments for Newborn Jaundice?

According to a study conducted at SMS Medical College in Jaipur, about 60% of full-term newborns and up to 80% of preterm babies develop neonatal jaundice in their first week of life.

Newborn jaundice is treated based on the level of bilirubin, age of the infant, and cause of jaundice:

•       Phototherapy (Light Therapy): Special blue spectrum lights are used to break down excess bilirubin to be excreted in urine and stools.
•       Improved Feeding Frequency: More frequent feeding of the baby will also aid in the passing of stools and the removal of bilirubin.
•       Intravenous (IV) Fluids: In certain instances, IV hydration is administered to ensure fluid balance and assist in bilirubin excretion.
•       Exchange Transfusion: A rarely used procedure where the baby’s blood is replaced with donor blood in order to reduce the level of bilirubin rapidly.
•       Treating Underlying Causes: In case a newborn with jaundice is caused by infection or any other health condition, it is essential to treat the underlying cause.
•       Sunlight Exposure (Under Medical Guidance): Sunlight Exposure (only under medical advice): Direct sunlight is not a standard treatment due to safety concerns; phototherapy is the safer and preferred method for treating jaundice in newborns.
•       Parental Education and Monitoring: Parents are informed on how to monitor the signs and when they should seek emergency attention. Tracking physical and social development helps reassure parents that recovery from jaundice does not delay normal progress.

Newborns receive round-the-clock observation and personalised care plans to ensure safe, gentle, and effective recovery.

Can Breastfeeding Cause or Help Jaundice?

Yes, breastfeeding jaundice may occur in the first few days if the baby receives less milk, which can slow bilirubin removal.However, the process of breastfeeding aids in recovery as well; the more the baby is fed, the more water he will get, and the faster the bilirubin will be eliminated. Most times, you are advised to keep breastfeeding, and this will be under the supervision of your paediatrician.

Conclusion

Jaundice in newborns can seem worrying to parents, but it is usually temporary and manageable.. Most babies can recover within a short time with timely diagnosis, gentle monitoring and effective treatment options such as phototherapy, hence they continue to thrive. The most important thing is a timely response and constant monitoring by skilled medical treatment specialists. Alongside newborn care, staying updated with essential immunizations ensures that babies remain protected against preventable diseases.

Our team at Best Super Multispeciality Hospital in Chennai brings a distinct mixture of competence and caring to help parents through all the steps of the procedure, so your baby is provided with the safest and best beginning in life. As a team, we guide your baby through the jaundice recovery time newborn process to a healthy glow with confidence.

FAQs

1. For how many days does jaundice last in newborns?
   Usually 1–2 weeks in term babies, slightly longer in preterm babies.
2. How long is the jaundice recovery time in newborns?
   Most recover within 14 days with no long-term effects.
3. Is mild jaundice in newborns normal?
   Yes, slight yellowing is common and usually harmless.
4. What is the risk of jaundice in newborns?
   If bilirubin levels rise too high, treatment is needed to prevent complications. Regular monitoring is key to suppressing the risk of jaundice in newborn.
5. Can breastfeeding jaundice be prevented?
   Feeding your baby 8–12 times daily in the early days can help reduce the risk.