Jaundice in Newborn Babies: Causes, Treatment and Care Tips

 

Jaundice in newborn babies is a common occurrence and is usually identified as the yellow tinge seen on their skin. It is caused due to a buildup of bilirubin in the baby’s blood. Jaundice in newborn babies usually occurs as their livers are not mature enough to get rid of the bilirubin. It is a very common occurrence and in most cases, it goes away on its own. However, in other cases, it needs special care and these babies may require treatment with phototherapy. 

Jaundice in newborn babies is therefore referred to as the yellow discoloration of an infant's skin, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. This occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow substance generated when red blood cells break down. During pregnancy, the maternal liver eliminates bilirubin on behalf of the baby. However, after birth, the baby's own liver takes over this task. If the baby's liver is not fully developed, it might struggle to process bilirubin effectively, resulting in an excess build-up that causes the skin to turn yellow (Mishra, S., Agarwal, R., Deorari, A.K. and Paul, V.K., 2008. Jaundice in the newborns. The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 75, pp.157-163). Jaundice in newborns is a common occurrence and is typically transient, often resolving within a few weeks. Nonetheless, it is crucial for healthcare providers to examine infants for jaundice, as untreated severe cases can potentially lead to brain damage.

Causes of Jaundice in Newborn Babies

As stated in the above discussions, jaundice in newborn babies occur when an excess of bilirubin is present in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a substance produced by our bodies during the breakdown of old red blood cells. Typically the liver filters out bilirubin from the blood, and it is thereby eliminated from our bodies through bowel movements. In cases where the baby's liver is not sufficiently developed to efficiently eliminate bilirubin, the substance can accumulate. This accumulation of bilirubin is responsible for the yellowish appearance of your baby's skin (Hossain, M., Begum, M., Ahmed, S. and Absar, M.N., 2015. Causes, management and immediate complications of management of neonatal jaundice? A hospital-based study. Journal of Enam medical college, 5(2), pp.104-109). Most infants experience jaundice in their initial days of life, primarily because it takes some time for their liver to mature and become more proficient at processing bilirubin.

Severe jaundice may also occur if the baby has:

• Sepsis or a blood infection
• A different blood type than the mother
• Bruising from a difficult delivery
• A low oxygen level
• Too many red blood cells 
• A liver condition known as biliary atresia

Treatment of Jaundice in Newborn Babies

In most cases, treatment for jaundice in newborn babies is not required. Mild cases of jaundice tend to resolve naturally as the newborn baby’s liver continues to mature, a process that usually takes one to two weeks. Ensuring frequent feeding of around 10 to 12 times a day can promote regular bowel movements, assisting in the elimination of excess bilirubin from the baby's body. In case the baby's bilirubin levels remain high or continue to rise, doctors commonly suggest phototherapy treatment (Bratlid, D., Nakstad, B. and Hansen, T.W.R., 2011. National guidelines for treatment of jaundice in the newborn. Acta Paediatrica, 100(4), pp.499-505). This involves placing the baby under specialized blue lights, wearing only a diaper and eye protection. Phototherapy aids the liver in processing excess bilirubin and is safe for the baby. This treatment usually lasts for one to two days. If the bilirubin levels are not too elevated, doctors may also recommend administering light therapy at home. In rare instances where phototherapy proves ineffective, an exchange transfusion might be recommended by the healthcare provider. This procedure involves replacing a portion of your baby's blood with fresh, donated blood. For the best insights on newborn jaundice treatment, follow DocTube.

Jaundice in Newborn Babies: Care Tips to Follow

1. Frequent Feeding

Ensure that the baby is breastfeeding or formula feeding frequently, about 10 to 12 times a day. This helps in stimulating stimulate bowel movements which may in turn help in the process of eliminating excess bilirubin from the body.

2. Monitor Feeding Patterns

During jaundice in newborn babies, it is vital to keep track of the baby's feeding patterns and diaper output. The number of wet and soiled diapers can indicate whether your baby is getting enough nutrition and eliminating bilirubin effectively.

3. Exposure to Natural Light

Gentle exposure to natural sunlight can help break down bilirubin in the skin (Stokowski, L.A., 2011. Fundamentals of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice. Advances in Neonatal Care, 11, pp.S10-S21). However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before exposing a newborn baby to direct sunlight, and parents must also be mindful of the recommended time and intensity of sun exposure.

4. Follow Medical Recommendations

During jaundice in newborn babies, it is always important to follow the guidance of the baby's healthcare provider. They will monitor its bilirubin levels and recommend appropriate interventions if necessary.

5. Maintain Hydration

Ensure the baby is adequately hydrated, as hydration can support the functioning of the liver. Breast milk or formula will provide the necessary fluids.

6. Skin-to-Skin Contact

 Engage in skin-to-skin contact with the baby. This promotes bonding and comfort, and can also help regulate body temperature and encourage feeding (Lau, Y., Tha, P.H., Ho‐Lim, S.S.T., Wong, L.Y., Lim, P.I., Citra Nurfarah, B.Z.M. and Shorey, S., 2018. An analysis of the effects of intrapartum factors, neonatal characteristics, and skin‐to‐skin contact on early breastfeeding initiation. Maternal & child nutrition, 14(1), p.e12492)

7. Keep Baby Comfortable

Dress the newborn baby in loose and comfortable clothing to prevent overheating. Overheating can worsen jaundice.

8. Regular Check-ups

Attend all scheduled medical check-ups for the baby. Regular monitoring of bilirubin levels and overall health is crucial during this time.

9. Maintain a Supportive Environment

Create a calm and quiet environment for your baby, as excessive stimulation and stress can affect their well-being.

10. Consult a Lactation Consultant

If breastfeeding, consider consulting a lactation consultant to ensure that the baby is latching properly and getting enough milk.

 

Is it possible to prevent newborn jaundice?

 

   

Newborn jaundice is normal and in most cases cannot be prevented. However, it is possible to reduce the risk that a baby will develop severe jaundice by feeding him often.

 

 

How is newborn jaundice diagnosed?

 

   

Newborns are generally checked for jaundice before they leave the hospital. Babies suffering from jaundice get a blood test for checking bilirubin levels. This helps in the prompt diagnosis of newborn jaundice.