Kabir Kid's Clinic & Diagnostic Center Logo
Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant | Pediatrician and Neonatologist

FAQs1: Why is my baby jaundiced so soon after birth? Is jaundice going to harm my baby? When will this jaundice go away?

Your baby is jaundiced soon after birth due to building up of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the baby’s blood, which has given yellow color to baby’s skin. This compound is formed in everyone’s body, including babies, due to breakdown of old red blood cells and is removed by liver in our body. Before birth, mother’s body takes care of removing bilirubin from baby’s blood, and hence at the time of birth the baby does not look yellow. After birth, the baby’s liver takes some time to develop effective ways to remove it. As a result, it is common for babies to appear jaundiced in early days after birth. More than 80% of  babies develop some jaundice after birth.

Usually, this jaundice does not cause harm to the baby. Most full-term and healthy babies do not require any treatment and jaundice disappears by the end of the 1st week of life. However, if the baby is born premature or low birthweight or is unwell, one needs to be more careful and seek medical attention. Jaundice which develops on the 1st day of life or does not go away by 2 weeks or if it stains baby’s palms and soles indicates high levels of bilirubin and is a cause of concern (Fig. 1). Similarly, if mother’s and baby’s blood groups do not match with each other and if such a baby develops jaundice soon after birth, the baby needs medical care to avoid any possible harm.
 
In Fig: Baby with severe jaundice revealing whole body stained yellow—this is too late, baby should not reach this stage.
 
In most babies, jaundice resolves by itself within 2 weeks, as the baby’s body learns to get rid of the bilirubin. Few babies may continue to have yellowish appearance of eyes till the end of 1 month which may be normal, but it is always best to consult your doctor. Breastfeeding frequently greatly helps in reducing bilirubin levels by removing it from the body.

To read more FAQs download the attached document:

 
Baby with severe jaundice revealing whole body stained yellow—this is too late, baby should not reach this stage.
Neonatal Jaundice 
Get the complete information about Neonatal Jaundice by Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant
Download File
 





















 
Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant
Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant is amongst the leading Pediatrician and neonatologists practicing at Kabir Kid's Clinic, Pune. He is also attached to Ruby Hall Clinic, Sasson road as a consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist. Dr. Kanchankumar has completed his postgraduate training in Grant Medical College and Sir J.J.Group of hospitals, Mumbai while completing MD in pediatrics.


Did you find this topic helpful?
?
Ask Question
AboutMyClinic
SmartSite created on AboutMyClinic.com
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. The information is provided solely for educational purpose and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.