Is your little one turning yellow? Let's learn about newborn jaundice!

Have you ever noticed that your newborn baby's skin looks a little yellow? Sometimes the whites of their eyes may also look yellow. Many new parents get a little worried when they see this. But don't worry , this is a common occurrence in newborn babies. Let's talk about this today.

What is jaundice in newborn babies?

Simply put, jaundice is when a newborn baby's skin turns yellow. Doctors call this Hyperbilirubinemia.'' This yellow color is caused by an excess of a yellow substance called Bilirubin'' in the baby's blood.

Think about it, bilirubin is something that is produced when our red blood cells break down. When you are pregnant, your liver removes this bilirubin for your baby. But after the baby is born, the baby's liver has to do this job. So, sometimes, if the baby's liver is not yet fully developed, it cannot remove this bilirubin properly. Then, the baby's skin turns yellow due to this extra bilirubin.

Jaundice is very common in newborn babies. Most of the time, it is not serious and will go away on its own within a couple of weeks. However, it is important to take your baby to the doctor to check for jaundice. Sometimes, if jaundice becomes severe and is not treated properly, it can cause brain damage.

Are there different types of jaundice?

Yes, there are several types of jaundice that can develop in newborn babies.

Physiological Jaundice

This is the most common type of jaundice seen in babies. This is normal. Most babies develop this condition within two to three days of birth. As the baby's liver gradually develops, it begins to remove bilirubin. This type of jaundice is usually not serious and gets better on its own within two weeks.

Breastfeeding Jaundice

Breastfed babies are more likely to develop jaundice than formula-fed babies. This type, called Breastfeeding jaundice'', occurs within the first week of a baby's life. This is because the baby is not getting enough breast milk . It may be because the baby is not sucking properly, or the mother has not yet started to produce milk properly. This type of jaundice takes a while to heal.

Breast Milk Jaundice

This is different from the previously mentioned (Breastfeeding jaundice). Some substances in the mother's breast milk can affect the baby's liver in a way that breaks down bilirubin. This can also cause bilirubin to accumulate. This condition called (Breast milk jaundice) can be seen after the first week of the baby's birth, and it may take a month or even longer for it to disappear.

In addition to this, if the baby has any other medical condition, it can also cause jaundice.

How common is this condition?

What is jaundice in newborn babies?It's very common. In fact, about 60% of full-term babies develop jaundice within the first week of life. And about 80% of premature babies develop jaundice in the first week. So you can see how common this is.

What are the symptoms? How do you recognize it?

The main symptom of jaundice is a yellowing of the baby's skin . This is most noticeable in a place with natural light, such as in front of a window. Usually, the baby's face turns yellow first. Then the whites of the baby's eyes and the lining of the tongue may turn yellow. As the bilirubin level increases, this yellowing can spread to the baby's chest, abdomen, arms, and legs.

If your baby's skin color is a bit darker, it may be a little harder to recognize this yellow color. However, you can still tell if your baby has jaundice by looking at the color of their eyes and under their tongue.

Why do babies get jaundice?

As mentioned earlier, jaundice occurs when there is too much bilirubin in the baby's blood. Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when old red blood cells break down in our bodies. Normally, our liver filters this bilirubin from the blood and removes it. It is then excreted from our bodies in the stool.

So, if your baby's liver isn't developed enough to remove bilirubin, it starts to build up in the body. This buildup of bilirubin is what causes the baby's skin to turn yellow. Many babies develop jaundice in the first few days of life for this reason. This is because it takes a few days for the baby's liver to develop and be able to remove bilirubin properly.

Sometimes jaundice can be severe . It can be caused by:

• If the baby has a blood infection (sepsis).
• If the baby's blood type is different from yours.
• If the baby was born with difficulty and there was bruising.
• If the baby has too many red blood cells.
• If the baby has a condition called hypoxia where the oxygen level is low.
• If you have a liver disease such as biliary atresia.

How do doctors figure this out exactly?

While you are in the hospital, your baby's doctor or nurse will check your baby for signs of jaundice. Your baby's bilirubin levels peak between the ages of three and five . Therefore, it is very important to see your baby's doctor again during this time.

The doctor can place a small device on the baby's head to get an idea of ​​what the bilirubin level is. This test measures the level of Transcutaneous bilirubin - TcB''. If this level is high, the doctor will order a blood test to confirm it. For this, a small blood sample is taken from the baby's heel. This blood test measures the level of Total serum bilirubin - TSB''.

Doctors use a newborn jaundice level chart to determine whether a baby needs treatment, according to accepted standards (such as those recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics). These charts are based on the baby's TSB level and the baby's age.

How is jaundice treated?

Most newborn jaundice does not require any special treatment . Mild jaundice usually resolves on its own as the baby's liver develops. This can take a week or two. Breastfeeding your baby frequently (10-12 times a day) will help him have frequent bowel movements. This will help the baby get rid of the extra bilirubin in his body.

The most important thing is to breastfeed your baby well. This helps remove bilirubin from the body.

However, if your baby's bilirubin level is very high or continues to rise, your doctor may recommend a treatment called phototherapy. In this phototherapy, the baby is left undressed and placed under a special blue light. The baby is only dressed in a small diaper and a mask to protect their eyes. This phototherapy helps the baby's liver remove the extra bilirubin. These lights will not harm the baby. The phototherapy treatment will last for a day or two. If your baby's bilirubin level is not very high, you may be able to do this light treatment at home.

In very rare cases, if phototherapy doesn't work, your doctor may recommend a treatment called an exchange transfusion. This involves removing some of the baby's blood and replacing it with new donated blood.

Can jaundice be prevented?

Jaundice is common in newborns, and in most cases, it cannot be completely prevented . However, you can reduce the risk of your baby developing severe jaundice. This can be done by breastfeeding your baby frequently . Frequent breastfeeding helps your baby have frequent bowel movements, which helps remove bilirubin from the body.

• For breastfed babies: Breastfeed your baby 8 to 12 times a day during the first week of life.
• For formula-fed babies: During the first week of a baby's life, give one to two ounces (30-60 milliliters) of formula every two to three hours. Make sure to breastfeed at least 8 times in a 24-hour period.

Also, don't forget to have your baby's bilirubin level checked by your doctor before you go home from the hospital. Also, make an appointment to see a doctor to check your baby's bilirubin level again within the first week of life.

How long does jaundice last?

It's common for newborn babies to develop jaundice. It often starts within two to three days of birth.

• Jaundice in formula-fed babies usually gets better on its own within two weeks.
• Breastfed babiesJaundice can last a month or more.

What kind of impact could this have on the baby? (Outlook)

Jaundice is common in newborns. Most babies get better within a week or two without treatment. However, it is important to check your baby's bilirubin level . If bilirubin levels get too high, if not treated quickly, it can lead to serious health problems. These can include cerebral palsy, deafness, and even a brain damage condition called kernicterus. That's why doctors are concerned about it.

When should I take my baby to the doctor again?

You should see your baby's doctor again as soon as you go home from the hospital. A baby's bilirubin level peaks between three and five days old, so it's important to get tested during that time. The next appointment will depend on your baby's age when you leave the hospital, the bilirubin level at that time, and other factors.

What are the emergency signs that require a doctor's call?

If your baby's jaundice seems to be getting worse , or if it has been present for more than two weeks, be sure to call your doctor. Symptoms of severe jaundice may include:

• The baby's skin takes on a dark yellow or orange color .
• The baby is very sleepy , and it's hard to wake him up to feed him.
• The baby is very restless .
• The baby is not sucking well (from breast milk or bottle).
• The baby is not urinating and/or defecating enough .

When do you need to go to the ER (Emergency Room)?

If your baby has any of these symptoms , call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room :

• Crying loudly .
• I have a fever .
• Bending the body like a bow (head/neck or heels bent back and body forward).
• The body is stiff, lifeless, or hanging .

What questions should you ask the doctor?

It's normal to feel a little worried when your newborn baby develops jaundice. Whether in the hospital or after you get home, you may have a lot of questions if your baby develops jaundice. Here are some common questions you can ask your doctor:

• How do I know for sure if my baby has jaundice?
• What complications can occur from jaundice?
• Will my baby need treatment for jaundice?
• Can I treat my baby's jaundice at home?
• Can phototherapy harm my baby?
• How long does it take for jaundice to get better?
• When should we come back for another checkup?