Introduction
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes. It is caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In the newborn period, red blood cells break down rapidly, but the liver is not ready to process the extra bilirubin efficiently. The liver may take 1–2 weeks to develop completely. Jaundice usually lasts for about 2–3 weeks in babies who are breastfed. Jaundice usually clears up in less than 2 weeks in babies who are formula fed.
What are the causes?
This condition usually occurs in newborns because the liver is immature. It may also occur because of:
A condition in which the mother’s blood type and the baby's blood …show more content…
Giving the baby a protein called immunoglobulin G (IgG) through an IV. This is done in serious cases where the jaundice is due to blood differences between the mother and baby.
A blood exchange where your baby’s blood is removed and replaced with blood from a donor. This is very rare and only done in very severe cases.
Follow these instructions at home:
Watch your baby to see if the jaundice gets worse. Undress your baby and look at his or her skin under natural sunlight. The yellow color may not be visible under artificial light.
You may be given lights or a light-emitting blanket that treats jaundice. Follow the directions the health care provider gave you when using them for your baby. Cover your baby’s eyes while he or she is under the lights.
Feed your baby often. If you are breastfeeding, feed your baby 8–12 times a day. Use added fluids only as directed by your baby’s health care provider.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your baby's health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
Your baby's jaundice lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Your baby is not nursing or bottle-feeding well.
Your baby becomes fussier than
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes. It is caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In the newborn period, red blood cells break down rapidly, but the liver is not ready to process the extra bilirubin efficiently. The liver may take 1–2 weeks to develop completely. Jaundice usually lasts for about 2–3 weeks in babies who are breastfed. Jaundice usually clears up in less than 2 weeks in babies who are formula fed.
What are the causes?
This condition usually occurs in newborns because the liver is immature. It may also occur because of:
A condition in which the mother’s blood type and the baby's blood …show more content…
Giving the baby a protein called immunoglobulin G (IgG) through an IV. This is done in serious cases where the jaundice is due to blood differences between the mother and baby.
A blood exchange where your baby’s blood is removed and replaced with blood from a donor. This is very rare and only done in very severe cases.
Follow these instructions at home:
Watch your baby to see if the jaundice gets worse. Undress your baby and look at his or her skin under natural sunlight. The yellow color may not be visible under artificial light.
You may be given lights or a light-emitting blanket that treats jaundice. Follow the directions the health care provider gave you when using them for your baby. Cover your baby’s eyes while he or she is under the lights.
Feed your baby often. If you are breastfeeding, feed your baby 8–12 times a day. Use added fluids only as directed by your baby’s health care provider.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your baby's health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
Your baby's jaundice lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Your baby is not nursing or bottle-feeding well.
Your baby becomes fussier than