Jaundice

Overview

Jaundice is the yellow colour seen in the skin of many newborns. It is not a disease and is seldom serious.

Causes

When red blood cells are recycled they leave behind a yellow pigment that is called bilirubin. Older children and adults rarely have problems with this as it is processed and removed by our livers. However newborn babies aren't yet able to break down bilirubin or can't do it fast enough so it builds up in their blood.

Symptoms

You may not notice jaundice until you bring your baby home as it usually doesn't show up until 2 or 3 days after birth. Jaundice usually appears first in the face and then spreads down the body. Sometimes the whites of the eyes are also discoloured. Your baby may also be lethargic. You can test for jaundice by gently pressing your finger on your baby's forehead or nose. If the skin looks yellow where you pressed your baby may have jaundice.

Treatment

In most cases jaundice disappears without treatment in 5 to 7 days although it may last longer if you breast-feed your baby. Temporarily supplementing breast milk with formula or changing to formula even for only one or two days may help lower your baby's bilirubin level. Another option is to provide an ounce or two of formula at the end of each breast-feeding for a week. It also may help to feed your baby more often. Frequent feedings will increase the amount of bilirubin passed in your baby's stool.

Always contact your doctor if the jaundice gets worse (the colour is darker) after a week or if it hasn't gone away completely within two weeks.If your doctor decides that treatment is necessary your baby may be placed under special ultraviolet lights that artificially decreases bilirubin in the blood.

When bilirubin reaches extremely high levels it can lead to a rare but very serious condition called kernicterus. This disorder can damage a newborn's brain and may lead to deafness severe developmental disabilities and an unusual form of cerebral palsy. Doctors are always on the watch for this in cases of premature birth.