Newborn jaundice is a yellowing of a baby's skin and eyes. It is very common and occurs when babies have a high level of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during normal breakdown of red blood cells.
Neonatal Jaundice
Overview
Symptoms to Watch For
- Yellowing of skin
- Yellowing of the whites of eyes
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
⚠️ When to Call 911 or Go to the ER
- Baby becomes more yellow
- Baby is hard to wake
- Baby isn't gaining weight
- Baby makes high-pitched cries
Treatments & Management
- Frequent feeding (to help clear bilirubin)
- Phototherapy (light therapy)
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
- Exchange transfusion (rarely)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neonatal Jaundice common?
Yes, it affects a significant percentage of pregnancies/newborns and is well-managed by modern medicine.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves physical exams, blood tests, or urine analysis during prenatal or pediatric visits.
Can it be prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, early prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce risks.