Jaundice is one of the common illnesses in newborns. Jaundice can affect newborns on the second or third day of their birth. Parents should not panic if jaundice is observed in newborns as 60% of newborns get affected by it. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatments for jaundice in newborns.Jaundice in newborns is apparently dicolouration of skin of the newborn where the colour of the skin and the white part of the eyes become yellow. The main reason behind this is breaking down of the old red blood cells.Usually the jaundice that is observed in some of the newborns is of rare type and the causes are typical. However, you should be aware of the causes and also know when to call the doctor for assistance. In this articleCauses of Jaundice in NewbornsOther Causes of Jaundice in NewbornsSymptoms of Jaundice in NewbornsWhen to See the DoctorTreatments for Jaundice in NewbornsCauses of Jaundice in NewbornsHere are the common causes of jaundice in newborns.Immature Liver - The liver of the newborn is not mature enough to remove bilirubin from the blood. Bilirubin is the substance found in excess in blood when the newborn suffers from jaundice.Bilirubin in Blood - Number of other medical conditions cause jaundice in newborn. The bilirubin that is found in a newborn’s blood is unconjugated and this has to be converted into conjugated bilirubin and then the liver removes it from the blood. In many newborns this conversion is not done properly or as fast as expected and the result is jaundice.Insufficient Antibodies - Another reason is insufficient supply of antibodies through the mother. The antibodies produced by the mother’s body helps in fighting with diseases.Release of Clotted Blood - In some infants, a large scalp bruise is seen which actually collection of clotted blood underneath the skin is. The sudden release of this blood in the stream over pressures liver and hence results in jaundice in newborn.Other Causes of Jaundice in NewbornsHere are some other causes of jaundice in newborn.Healthy red blood cells get wiped out in some newborns.In some cases, the newborn is born with excess of red blood cells.Some infants swallow blood during the process of birth and when these blood cells break down, they create pressure on liver.If the mother is diabetic, chances of jaundice in newborn increases.Symptoms of Jaundice in NewbornsDiscolouration of the skin, eyes and entire body of the infant is observed. If you find that the colour of the skin has turned yellow, you can press the fingers of the newborn and check out. If the child is suffering from jaundice the finger will remain yellow.When to See the DoctorUsually jaundice is pretty common in newborns and unless further symptoms are not seen, there is no need of medical assistance. You should immediately contact your doctor ifYour child seems unwell, uncomfortable and is not taking the feed properlyYour child’s urine has turned yellow or the stool turned darkSymptoms of jaundice becomes noticeable after a week of birthThe symptoms are seen immediately after the birthThe symptoms still exist after two weeks, even though mild.Treatments for Jaundice in NewbornsTreatment of jaundice in newborn depends on how affected it is and what exactly is the cause behind. The treatment is usually done by placing the baby beneath special lights that penetrate into the skin of the infant and transforms the bilirubin into lumirubin which is handled properly by the body of the infant.The eyes of the infant are covered with special goggles so that the lights do not harm the eyes. The decision of whether to go for phototherapy or not depends on your comfort level and if the pediatrician finds it necessary. If the condition is serious and phototherapy does not work, the doctor may try other treatments.However, if you are a concerned mother you can prevent your child from developing jaundice by giving him sufficient fluid. You should also get enrolled in classes that educate about common problems that might occur in newborns and how to deal with them without much medicinal involvement.
Jaundice is one of the common illnesses in newborns. Jaundice can affect newborns on the second or third day of their birth. Parents should not panic if jaundice is observed in newborns as 60% of newborns get affected by it. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatments for jaundice in newborns.Jaundice in newborns is apparently dicolouration of
skin of the newborn where the colour of the skin and the white part of the eyes become yellow. The main reason behind this is breaking down of the old red blood cells.
Usually the jaundice that is observed in some of the
newborns is of rare type and the causes are typical. However, you should be aware of the causes and also know when to call the doctor for assistance.
Causes of Jaundice in Newborns
Here are the common causes of
jaundice in newborns.
Immature Liver - The liver of the newborn is not mature enough to remove bilirubin from the blood. Bilirubin is the substance found in excess in blood when the newborn suffers from jaundice.
Bilirubin in Blood - Number of other medical conditions cause jaundice in newborn. The bilirubin that is found in a newborn’s blood is unconjugated and this has to be converted into conjugated bilirubin and then the liver removes it from the blood. In many newborns this conversion is not done properly or as fast as expected and the result is jaundice.
Insufficient Antibodies - Another reason is insufficient supply of antibodies through the mother. The antibodies produced by the mother’s body helps in fighting with diseases.
Release of Clotted Blood - In some
infants, a large scalp bruise is seen which actually collection of clotted blood underneath the skin is. The sudden release of this blood in the stream over pressures liver and hence results in jaundice in newborn.
Other Causes of Jaundice in Newborns
Here are some other causes of jaundice in newborn.
- Healthy red blood cells get wiped out in some newborns.
- In some cases, the newborn is born with excess of red blood cells.
- Some infants swallow blood during the process of birth and when these blood cells break down, they create pressure on liver.
- If the mother is diabetic, chances of jaundice in newborn increases.
Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborns
Discolouration of the skin, eyes and entire body of the infant is observed. If you find that the colour of the skin has turned yellow, you can press the fingers of the newborn and check out. If the child is suffering from jaundice the finger will remain yellow.
When to See the Doctor
Usually jaundice is pretty common in newborns and unless further symptoms are not seen, there is no need of medical assistance. You should immediately contact your doctor if
- Your child seems unwell, uncomfortable and is not taking the feed properly
- Your child’s urine has turned yellow or the stool turned dark
- Symptoms of jaundice becomes noticeable after a week of birth
- The symptoms are seen immediately after the birth
- The symptoms still exist after two weeks, even though mild.
Treatments for Jaundice in Newborns
Treatment of jaundice in newborn depends on how affected it is and what exactly is the cause behind. The treatment is usually done by placing the baby beneath special lights that penetrate into the skin of the infant and transforms the bilirubin into lumirubin which is handled properly by the body of the infant.
The eyes of the infant are covered with special goggles so that the lights do not harm the eyes. The decision of whether to go for phototherapy or not depends on your comfort level and if the pediatrician finds it necessary. If the condition is serious and phototherapy does not work, the doctor may try other treatments.
However, if you are a concerned mother you can prevent your child from developing jaundice by giving him sufficient fluid. You should also get enrolled in classes that educate about common problems that might occur in newborns and how to deal with them without much medicinal involvement.
