Newborn Jaundice, What Should I Know?

In the early days of a baby’s life, the fears and doubts of its parents are so widespread that any unknown symptom or sign can create anguish. Newborn jaundice is considered a normal process, although it requires supervision so that it does not reach extreme conditions.

Why does jaundice appear in the newborn? 

First, we want to say that jaundice is defined as a yellowish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes . Its cause is bilirubin, a substance that appears when the red blood cell is broken down. The way to know the exact values ​​is through a blood test.

But the baby’s yellowish coloration is not considered a serious situation if the bilirubin levels are not extremely high. When levels are too high in the blood, we talk about hyperbilirubinemia, and we need hospital control and monitoring.

Just after two or three days after birth it is normal to see a yellowish color on the newborn’s skin. The liver is the organ responsible for removing excess bilirubin, but it takes a while to start functioning after birth.

What is the best care for the newborn? 

Even though jaundice in newborns is not usually a serious condition, we must know how to act to minimize this situation. To do this, there are basic cares that all parents can do:

• First, monitor the newborn’s proper nutrition . If the baby is breastfed, it is more difficult to ensure food intake. There is jaundice associated with breastfeeding that is rare, and usually appears after a week of life. Only the pediatrician, after evaluating the newborn, can indicate whether it is necessary to stop breastfeeding for one or two days.

• Phototherapy at home . Phototherapy is the technique used in neonatology units for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Now, if hospitalization isn’t necessary, it can be done at home, for example, by exposing the newborn for 10 minutes a day to sunlight, using a diaper to cover the eyes. Choose a sunny time that is not harmful, if possible before 9 am.

Identify possible risk situations 

As we mentioned before, the most frequent is jaundice in the newborn that is not associated with more serious problems. But it is important that we know certain signs that need a medical evaluation :

• Early onset of jaundice in the newborn . If staining occurs from the first day of life, the pediatrician will order a blood test to be able to assess the exact result.
• Newborn jaundice persists after two weeks of life . It is the time when the liver needs to be able to perform its functions well and eliminate excesses.

Complications of jaundice in the newborn 

When blood bilirubin exceeds extreme values , it can be deposited in brain cells, altering the metabolism and function of neurons. This situation is called kernicterus .

So, to avoid this situation, a consultation with the pediatrician should be requested when a yellowish coloration of the baby is detected after one week of life .

First, the pediatrician will perform the appropriate tests to assess the levels of bilirubin and, if the values ​​are close to extreme parameters, will prescribe hospitalization and treatment with phototherapy, and care in the neonatology unit.

What does hospital phototherapy involve? 

A newborn who needs phototherapy will need to be hospitalized for several days . Today, in most hospitals, parents can stay with their children 24 hours a day, although it is recommended that they rest at home.

Nurses in the neonatology units are prepared to perform the basic care necessary for newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. It is important to follow the recommendations of specialized personnel.

If you are breastfeeding your child, it is recommended that you do not stop breastfeeding. It is advisable to follow the instructions of the hospital professionals regarding the feeding of the newborn.

Conclusion