Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Risks & What to Expect

Newborn jaundice is something that most babies experience, especially those that are pre-term (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy). While jaundice in newborns is not usually harmful, this condition can become dangerous in some infants.

About

• According to WebMD, jaundice in newborns occurs when an abnormally high level of bilirubin is present in the blood. Bilirubin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is a result of hemoglobin dissipating.

Significance

• Jaundice in a newborn is extremely common and usually resolves itself without medical treatment. However, if bilirubin levels remain abnormally high for more than a few days, the newborn needs to be evaluated to determine the cause of the jaundice.

Identification

• It is fairly easy to identify a newborn with jaundice, as the baby's skin has a definite yellowish tint to it. Additionally, high bilirubin levels can be identified with a blood test.

Effects

• While most jaundice is very mild and not harmful to babies, jaundice that lasts for more than a few days and is left untreated can cause brain damage because of the high bilirubin levels. Mild jaundice is not uncomfortable to a newborn baby.

Treatment

• For mild cases of newborn jaundice, filtered sunlight is one of the best treatment methods. In situations when a newborn's jaundice is not subsiding, blood transfusions are sometimes needed.