Newborn jaundice generally appears 2-4 days after birth. If your baby is healthy, mild jaundice is usually not a cause for concern. Yellowish discoloration in the skin or eyes may be more prominent in breastfed babies.
Mild jaundice develops in about 60% of full-term babies and 80% of premature babies (born before 38 weeks of pregnancy). It is typically harmless and reaches its peak by day 3 or 4 and then goes away in 1-2 weeks, although it may take longer to subside in premature babies.
You should contact your doctor if your baby has the following signs:
- Develops jaundice on the first day of birth
- Develops jaundice on the whites of the eyes, arms, chest, palms, soles, or abdomen one month after birth
- Jaundice worsens or does not go away after 2 weeks
- Is unusually drowsy or difficult to keep awake
- Has rashes along with jaundice
- Is feeding poorly
- Cries inconsolably
- Develops fever
- Arches their neck or back
- Becomes stiff or floppy
- Has pale bowel movements
What is newborn jaundice?
Newborn jaundice refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is also called hyperbilirubinemia because it occurs when a yellow substance called bilirubin is elevated in the blood. Bilirubin is formed when red blood cells (RBCs) are broken down in the body, which normally occurs when old RBCs are replaced by new ones.
You can check the development of jaundice in your baby by gently pressing on their forehead to lightly blanch the skin. If the skin that was pressed appears yellow, it may indicate jaundice. Since it may be difficult to detect jaundice in babies with a darker complexion, always examine your baby in natural light. You can also look for jaundice under the baby’s tongue or on the white of their eyes.
What causes jaundice in a newborn?
Jaundice occurs when the rate of formation of bilirubin exceeds the rate of removal from the body via stool and urine. Most babies develop jaundice as a normal occurrence, also known as physiological jaundice. This happens because the bilirubin produced by the baby in the womb is removed by the placenta. After birth, the baby’s liver may need some time to mature enough to complete this task on its own.
Newborn jaundice may also be caused by certain conditions:
- Preterm birth. Premature babies do not have sufficiently developed liver functions and are more vulnerable to developing jaundice.
- Breast milk jaundice. Breast milk jaundice occurs due to certain substances in breast milk that can hamper the body’s ability to get rid of bilirubin. Breast milk jaundice generally develops within the first week after birth, around day 4 or 5, peaks within the first 2 weeks, then takes many weeks to go away. Breast milk jaundice does not mean the mother should stop breastfeeding the baby if the baby is feeding and growing well and gaining weight.
- Not enough breast milk. Babies who do not receive enough breast milk due to issues such as poor latching or reduced breast milk production may lose a lot of weight, which can cause a rise in bilirubin levels.
- Certain ethnicities. Babies of East Asian or Mediterranean descent have a higher likelihood of getting jaundice.
Other conditions that may cause newborn jaundice include the following:
- Trauma or injuries during birth, such as large bruises
- Incompatibility between the mother’s and baby’s blood types (particularly Rh incompatibility)
- Conditions that cause increased red blood cell breakdown (such as sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and G-6-PD deficiency)
- Infections
- Liver diseases
SLIDESHOW
Parenting Guide: Healthy Eating for Kids See SlideshowWhat is the treatment for newborn jaundice?
Treatment of newborn jaundice mainly depends on the severity and cause of raised bilirubin levels. To bring your baby’s bilirubin down, your doctor may suggest:
- Phototherapy. A special type of blue light may be used to lower the bilirubin levels. Sunlight exposure is no longer recommended, as too much sun exposure can cause sunburn.
- Exchange transfusion. In this procedure, the baby’s blood is replaced with donated blood to lower bilirubin levels. It is usually done in babies with very high bilirubin levels or those who are unresponsive to other treatments. It can be a life-saving procedure because excessively high bilirubin levels can damage the baby’s brain.
- Intravenous (IV) immunoglobulins. This may be done for babies whose jaundice is caused by blood type incompatibility with the mother’s.
- Intravenous fluids. Babies with severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalances may be administered IV fluids.
Medically Reviewed on 6/17/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "What Are Jaundice and Kernicterus?" <https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/jaundice/facts.html>.
Wong, R.J., and Bhutani V.K. "Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn: Pathogenesis and etiology." Dec. 2, 2021. UpToDate. <https://www.uptodate.com/contents/unconjugated-hyperbilirubinemia-in-the-newborn-pathogenesis-and-etiology?search=jaundice-in-newborn&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1>.
United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "What Are Jaundice and Kernicterus?" <https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/jaundice/facts.html>.
Wong, R.J., and Bhutani V.K. "Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn: Pathogenesis and etiology." Dec. 2, 2021. UpToDate. <https://www.uptodate.com/contents/unconjugated-hyperbilirubinemia-in-the-newborn-pathogenesis-and-etiology?search=jaundice-in-newborn&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1>.
Complete List
Top When to Be Concerned About Newborn Jaundice Related Articles
Babies Quiz
Take the Babies Quiz to learn what milestones and developments you can expect from your baby’s first year.
Baby Skin Care: Tips to Keep Newborn’s Skin Healthy
Baby skin care products can help with peeling, rashes, baby acne, and dryness that can develop on a newborn baby's skin. Develop a baby skin care routine to pamper your baby’s skin.
Newborn Skin Care
See what normal newborn skin looks like and learn how to care for it. WebMD shows you diapering and bathing tips.
Bilirubin Test
Bilirubin is a waste product of the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. Normal bilirubin levels vary from lab to lab, and range from around 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL. High levels of bilirubin can be diagnosed with a bilirubin blood test. Causes of elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can be caused by infections, viral hepatitis, anemia, genetic diseases, and liver problems. Symptoms of elevated bilirubin levels depend on the cause; however, jaundice is a common sign. Treatment for elevated bilirubin levels depend on the cause.
Breastfeeding (and Formula Feeding)
It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.
What Are the Do's and Don'ts For a Newborn Baby?
First-time parents caring for a newborn baby? Learn what to do and what not to do for your brand new child.
How Do You Do CPR On a Newborn?
Neonatal resuscitation (CPR) provides oxygen, stimulates breathing and gets the heart to start pumping normally. Most premature babies and babies with certain congenital conditions require extensive resuscitation.How Long Can a Newborn Go Without Peeing?
A newborn baby usually passes urine for the first time within 12-24 hours after birth. Not peeing in the first 24 hours points to some urinary tract problem. Here are signs to look for and when to call a doctor.
Jaundice Picture
Often, physiologic jaundice -- the type seen in most newborns -- does not require treatment. See a picture of Jaundice and learn more about the health topic.Newborn Infant Hearing Screening
A newborn infant hearing screening is performed before a child is discharged from the hospital. If an infant doesn't pass the test, a rescreen is performed. Detecting hearing loss at an early age increases a child's chance of having a healthy and more productive life. There are two methods of testing hearing in infants: auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emission (OAE). Both tests are accurate, automated, and don't require a visible response from the infant.
Newborn Jaundice (Neonatal Jaundice)
Jaundice in newborns and babies (neonatal jaundice) usually occurs because of a normal increase in red blood cell breakdown and the fact that their immature livers are not efficient at removing bilirubin from the bloodstream. Symptoms of jaundice are fever, poor feeding, and looking ill. Newborn jaundice is very common and is caused because the newborn's liver isn’t mature enough to remove bilirubin from the blood. Treatment of jaundice in newborns includes phototherapy, tanning booths, and other treatments.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Assisted Ventilation of the Newborn?
To provide a baby assisted ventilation, a mechanical ventilator pumps oxygen to the lungs at pressure until the baby’s respiratory system works normally. This can help kickstart the baby’s breathing reflex if it’s compromised by underdevelopment or some congenital condition, but it may also lead to lung trauma.
What Are the Danger Signs in Newborns?
After your baby is born, it can be difficult to tell whether every cry or symptom is a sign that something is wrong. Here are 14 danger signs in newborns to look for.What Light Is Used in Phototherapy for Jaundice?
Phototherapy is a special light treatment given to newborns who have jaundice. Jaundice is yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes in newborns due to a pigment called bilirubin. 60% babies are born with jaundice at birth. However, a few babies have a bilirubin level at birth that is high enough to cause brain damage.Why Would a Newborn Need a Ventilator?
Some babies may have trouble breathing. Respiratory distress or failure may be the result of underdeveloped lungs or a congenital condition. The mechanical ventilator provides oxygen until the baby can breathe unassisted.