Newborn Jaundice: Symptoms, Causes & When to See a Doctor
This page is for informational purposes only. If you're concerned about your baby's jaundice, please consult your pediatrician.
1. What is Newborn Jaundice?
Jaundice is a common condition that causes a baby's skin and the whites of their eyes to appear yellow. About 60% of newborns develop some degree of jaundice, making it one of the most common newborn conditions.
Most cases are physiological (normal) jaundice that resolves on its own. However, some babies may develop pathological jaundice that requires treatment.
2. What Causes Jaundice?
Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and eliminates it through stool and urine.
Newborns are prone to jaundice because:
- Immature liver: Can't process bilirubin fast enough
- More red blood cells: Fetal blood cells break down after birth
- Intestinal reabsorption: Bilirubin can be reabsorbed before excretion
3. Types of Jaundice
Physiological Jaundice (Normal)
- Appears 2-3 days after birth
- Resolves within 1-2 weeks
- Baby feeds well and is active
- Yellow color limited to face and upper chest
Breastfeeding Jaundice
- More common in breastfed babies
- May last 2-3 weeks or longer
- Caused by substances in breast milk that slow bilirubin elimination
- Usually resolves without treatment
- Do NOT stop breastfeeding unless specifically advised by doctor
Pathological Jaundice (Concerning)
- Appears within 24 hours of birth
- Bilirubin levels rise rapidly
- Yellow color extends to palms and soles
- Lasts more than 2 weeks
- Baby is lethargic, feeding poorly, or has high-pitched cry
4. How to Check for Jaundice
Check your baby's skin in natural daylight:
- Face: Gently press forehead or nose tip, release, and check for yellow color
- Chest & belly: Use the same method
- Eyes: Look at the whites of the eyes for yellow tint
- Palms & soles: If yellow here, seek medical attention
Jaundice typically starts on the face and spreads downward to chest → belly → legs → hands/feet. The further down it extends, the higher the bilirubin level.
5. When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- Jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth
- Yellow color extends to palms and soles
- Jaundice lasts more than 2 weeks
- Baby is refusing to feed or has weak sucking
- Baby seems lethargic: floppy or hard to wake
- High-pitched cry: unusual, sharp crying
- Stool is pale gray or white (may indicate bile duct problem)
- Urine is dark brown
6. Treatment Options
Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
The most common treatment. Special blue lights break down bilirubin in the skin so it can be eliminated.
- Baby wears protective eye covers
- Lies under lights wearing only a diaper
- Usually takes 1-2 days
- Very safe with minimal side effects (mild rash, loose stools possible)
Increased Feeding
Frequent feeding helps reduce jaundice:
- Feed 8-12 times per day or more
- More feeding = more bowel movements
- Bilirubin is eliminated through stool
Exchange Transfusion (Rare)
If bilirubin levels are dangerously high or phototherapy isn't working, an exchange transfusion may be needed. This replaces baby's blood with donor blood and is very rarely required.
7. What You Can Do at Home
- Feed frequently: Every 2-3 hours, wake baby if needed
- Monitor stool: Look for 3+ yellow stools per day
- Check skin daily: In natural light
- Keep follow-up appointments: Usually 3 days after hospital discharge
⚠️ Note: Sunlight exposure is NOT an effective treatment and can be dangerous. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn and dehydration. Always use medical phototherapy.
8. Why Jaundice Can Be Dangerous
If left untreated, very high bilirubin levels can cross into the brain and cause permanent damage. This is called kernicterus and can result in:
- Hearing loss
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
However, kernicterus is completely preventable with early detection and treatment. This is why newborn screening and follow-up visits are so important.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby has jaundice?
No! In most cases, you should breastfeed more frequently. Breast milk helps eliminate bilirubin and provides the best nutrition for your baby. Only stop if specifically instructed by your doctor.
Q. Can my baby get vaccinated with jaundice?
Yes, mild jaundice does not affect vaccinations. The Hepatitis B vaccine (given at birth and 1 month) can proceed as scheduled. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Q. Do premature babies get jaundice too?
Yes, premature babies are more likely to develop jaundice and it may last longer. Their livers are even more immature than full-term babies. Preemies need closer monitoring and may require treatment at lower bilirubin levels.
10. Summary
Newborn jaundice is very common and usually harmless. Most cases resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, it's important to monitor your baby and seek medical attention if warning signs appear.
Keep your follow-up appointments after hospital discharge, check your baby's skin color daily in natural light, and don't hesitate to call your pediatrician if you're worried.