Jaundice is a frequent condition affecting many newborns, causing a yellow tint in their skin and eyes. This happens when bilirubin, a yellow substance from red blood cells, builds up in the bloodstream.
While jaundice often clears up on its own without specialized care, it can sometimes signal more serious issues like liver problems or bile duct blockages. Spotting it early and treating it promptly helps prevent bilirubin from reaching harmful levels.
Request an AppointmentTypes of Jaundice
Jaundice in newborns commonly occurs when babies are born before 38 weeks gestation and their livers aren’t fully mature enough to process bilirubin efficiently.
Other forms of jaundice include:
- Obstructive jaundice—caused by a blockage in the bile duct between the pancreas and liver.
- Hepatocellular jaundice—results from liver cell injury or disease.
- Hemolytic jaundice—occurs when red blood cells break down too quickly, producing excess bilirubin.
Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborns
Signs of jaundice may include:
- Yellow skin and eyes: Press gently on your baby’s forehead; if the pressed area looks yellow, jaundice may be present.
- Dark urine: Unlike normal pale or clear urine, babies with jaundice may have darker colored urine.
- Pale stools: Baby stools that are grayish or pale instead of the usual yellow, orange, green, or brown can indicate jaundice.
When to Call Your Doctor
If jaundice is linked to a serious issue such as hepatitis, additional symptoms like fever, stomach pain, nausea, or tiredness may appear. If you notice these, please contact your doctor without delay.
Severe symptoms in newborns require urgent attention. Call 911 or head to the emergency room immediately if your baby shows:
- Difficulty waking up
- Arching back or neck backwards
- High-pitched crying
- Unusual eye movements like staring upwards
Causes of Jaundice in Newborns
Common causes include:
- Gallstones: tiny crystals that block the biliary duct in the gallbladder.
- Liver damage: caused by infections like hepatitis viruses.
- Genetic or chronic liver diseases: inherited conditions affecting liver function.
Risk Factors for Jaundice
Premature babies are more vulnerable because their livers may not yet handle bilirubin processing well. Also, babies who struggle with breastfeeding might not pass enough stools to eliminate bilirubin effectively.
Treatment for Jaundice
Most mild jaundice cases resolve within two to three weeks naturally. For moderate or severe instances, your baby may require a longer stay in the nursery for treatment to lower bilirubin.
Treatment options include:
- Improved feeding: giving supplements or feeding more often to boost nutrition.
- Phototherapy: light treatment that alters bilirubin so the body can excrete it.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): used when blood type differences cause high bilirubin.
- Exchange transfusion: replaces the baby’s blood to reduce bilirubin and antibodies.
IVIg and exchange transfusion are uncommon and reserved for severe jaundice cases not responding to other therapies.
With timely treatment and careful follow-up, bilirubin levels typically decrease steadily.
Care for Jaundice in Newborns in Encino, CA
At Sammy Kim, MD, we provide trusted care for jaundice in newborns, including thorough assessments, ongoing monitoring, and treatments tailored to each baby’s needs.
Many parents tell us they appreciate our hands-on, nurturing approach to newborn care. We offer same-day appointments at our clinic right here in Encino, CA. To schedule a visit, call us at (818) 789-0941 or contact us online.
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