Jaundice-
Jaundice is a common occurrence amongst newborns because of their inability to remove a chemical known as bilirubin, a byproduct of the red blood cells. This results in a yellowish tint on the baby's skin and eyes. Jaundice typically shows up from the second day onwards. In many cases, the condition is mild and eventually goes away by itself by the second week but if severe, immediate treatment is required.
Symptoms
Checking for jaundice is routinely performed by the pediatrician prior to baby's discharge from the hospital and again 3 to 5 days later when bilirubin level is at its peak. Yellow coloration on the face and eyes is the first telltale sign of jaundice. This coloration will spread down to the feet when there is an increase in bilirubin level.
Causes
Before a child is born, bilirubin in the foetal blood is removed by the mother's liver. However, a newborn's liver takes a couple of days to reach maturity and is hence unable to process bilirubin fully. Excess bilirubin in the blood stream causes the skin to turn yellow.
Who is more prone?
Asian babies are more prone to jaundice compared to non-Asians. Within the population, however, jaundice occurs regardless of race or ethnicity. Some babies are more susceptible to the condition because of a variety of reasons, such as:
Family history of jaundice
Prematurity
G6PD deficiency
Poor feeding (especially if breastfed)
Breast feeding
Treatment
Especially in the first few days of birth, breastfed babies should be nursed frequently in order for bilirubin to be passed out of the body in the stools. (Baby's stools should look bright yellow.) This also helps the mother establish her milk production.
High levels of bilirubin can lead to brain damage. Babies with jaundice may need tubes or treated using phototherapy. While administering the light therapy, the baby is dressed only in a diaper and eyeshades.
Prevention
There is no known prevention for jaundice. However, you should never self-treat and place baby in direct sunlight.
When to see the doctor
You should revisit the pediatrician if jaundice does not go away after two weeks or if your baby is extremely fussy or appears listless and has poor appetite.