Jaundice in newborns is a common condition that turns a baby's skin and the whites of the eyes yellow. It happens when bilirubin builds up in the blood, and it is usually harmless.
Bilirubin is a yellow substance made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. A newborn's liver is still developing and may not clear bilirubin quickly in the first days. Babies born early and some breastfed babies are more likely to have jaundice.
Yellowing usually shows first on the face and head and can spread to the body. It may also show in the whites of the eyes, under the tongue or inside the cheeks. Yellowing can be harder to see on black or brown skin. For most babies, the yellow is most noticeable at around 3 days old and fades within about 2 weeks.
Many babies need no treatment apart from regular feeding. When bilirubin levels are high, phototherapy, which uses a special light, helps break bilirubin down. A blood exchange transfusion is rarely needed. Babies who need closer monitoring may receive neonatal care.
Parents should contact a midwife, health visitor or doctor if jaundice appears in the first 24 hours, gets worse, or lasts beyond 2 weeks. Urgent help is needed if the baby is very sleepy, not feeding, floppy, or has dark urine or pale stools.
Sources: NHS, MedlinePlus.
It’s time to create workplaces where women’s well-being isn’t just acknowledged but prioritized, because when women thrive, businesses succeed.
Join the movement
Whole Health Programs for Women and Employers
We help create healthier, more inclusive workplaces where women and businesses thrive.
.svg)
Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to get your hands on the latest on womens health in the workplace.
