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Newborn Jaundice
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the
eyes. In newborns, it often shows up in the first 2 to 4 days.
Jaundice appears when there is too much bilirubin
(bill-e-RUE-bin) in the body. Bilirubin is a normal breakdown
product of red blood cells. It is taken out of the bloodstream
by the liver.
Causes
Over half of all newborns have a
liver that is not yet working normally, allowing bilirubin to
build up in the baby's skin and blood. It is not a serious
problem. It usually disappears after 1 to 2 weeks, when the
liver is older and working better.
Care
With eyes covered, the baby is
placed under lights. These ""phototherapy lights'' help to
lower the amount of bilirubin in the baby's body. Time spent
under the lights depends on the baby's blood bilirubin level,
which is checked daily.
Risks
The risks of serious problems
with newborn jaundice are small if you follow your doctor's
advice.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
After leaving the hospital, it's important to observe
your baby for signs of jaundice or worsening of any
jaundice the baby had in the hospital. The amount of
yellowishness is best determined by viewing the baby
undressed in natural sunlight by a
window.
-
You may give your baby a sun bath for 10 to 15
minutes twice a day inside a sunny
window.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your baby develops jaundice during the first 48 hours
of life, the jaundice involves the arms or legs, the color
gets deeper after 1 week, or the jaundice is not gone by
day 14.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
Your baby starts to act sick or is difficult to
awaken.
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