Is your newborn’s skin appearing slightly yellow? This condition, known as jaundice, is quite common and typically not a cause for concern. In fact, many infants experience this benign condition shortly after birth. Below are the essential details about jaundice in newborns.
What is Jaundice in Babies?
Jaundice is a frequent, short-lived condition that causes a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes to take on a yellowish hue. This occurs when a substance called bilirubin accumulates in the blood. Approximately 60% of full-term infants and about 80% of premature babies will develop jaundice.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that all newborns have their bilirubin levels checked before being discharged from the hospital. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled based on the bilirubin levels, gestational age, and other relevant factors.
What Causes Newborn Jaundice?
Newborn jaundice typically arises due to the immature liver of the infant, which may not yet be fully functional in processing bilirubin. Factors that can contribute to jaundice include:
- Premature birth
- Bruising during delivery
- Blood type incompatibility between mother and baby
What Are the Symptoms of Jaundice in a Newborn?
The primary symptom of jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other signs may include:
- Increased tiredness or lethargy
- Difficulty feeding
- Changes in stool or urine color
What Are the Risk Factors for Jaundice?
Certain factors can heighten the likelihood of jaundice in newborns, including:
- Family history of jaundice
- Being a first-time mother
- Infants who are not breastfeeding well
How is Newborn Jaundice Treated?
Most cases of jaundice are mild and resolve without treatment. However, in more severe instances, treatment options may include:
- Phototherapy: Exposing the baby to special lights that help break down bilirubin.
- Exchange transfusion: A procedure where a portion of the baby’s blood is replaced with donor blood to quickly reduce bilirubin levels.
How Long Does It Take for Newborn Jaundice to Go Away?
Jaundice usually begins to improve within a week or two. However, some infants may take longer to fully recover. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician are important to monitor bilirubin levels.
How Can Newborn Jaundice Be Prevented?
While jaundice cannot always be prevented, ensuring that your baby is feeding well can help minimize the risk. If you’re considering becoming a parent, resources like Make a Mom offer innovative options for at-home insemination, including the only reusable option available. You can also explore how at-home insemination works through this guide.
For additional support, you might find value in joining a community like Make a Mom’s Facebook group, where you can connect with others on similar journeys. If you’re experiencing challenges such as vaginismus, you can read about overcoming these issues in our post on conquering vaginismus.
In today’s busy world, balancing work and family life can be challenging for new moms. For insights on managing this balance, check out How to Balance Work and Family Life as a Mom.
For those interested in more detailed information about insemination procedures, Healthline provides an excellent resource on intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Summary
Jaundice is a common and typically harmless condition in newborns that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup. While it usually resolves on its own, monitoring and follow-up care are essential. New parents can access valuable resources for family planning and support from platforms like Make a Mom.