Jaundice in newborn babies is very common. In fact, research claims 6 out of 10 babies are born with jaundice and 8 out of 10 babies born before 37 weeks are usually diagnosed with jaundice. However, the consoling factor is that not many cases are severe enough to require medical intervention. With the right newborn care, your baby can overcome the symptoms of jaundice within a few days.
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells, accumulates in the bloodstream.
Newborn babies have a high count of red blood cells in their bloodstream. Also, newborn baby’s livers are not fully developed and therefore cannot effectively remove the bilirubin from the blood. Thus, jaundice in newborns is quite common.
However, as the liver develops over the weeks, it can process and remove the bilirubin in the blood. That is why newborns recover from jaundice within two or three weeks from their birth when their liver develops and can remove the bilirubin.
One of the characteristic symptoms of jaundice in newborns is the baby’s skin turning a tinge of yellow. Also, the sclera or the white part of the eyes appears yellow. In more severe conditions, fever in newborns is also not uncommon. Visit a good pediatric hospital if your child develops a fever or develops symptoms that concern you.
To test if your baby is suffering from jaundice, press the forehead skin down and release after a moment. This pushes the blood out from the area for a brief moment. The skin should appear pale where the blood is pushed out. However, if the skin appears yellow, your baby may be suffering from jaundice.
Usually, doctors discharge newborns and mothers from the hospital only after the jaundice completely subsides. However, if you are monitoring the jaundice at home, keep a close watch on your baby’s development. Untreated and severe jaundice can cause complications like Kernicterus or brain damage. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult a neonatologist if you have any doubts regarding the home remedies for the treatment of jaundice.
Mild jaundice in newborns can easily be treated. Your pediatrician will advise appropriate newborn care based on the condition or severity of jaundice in your baby.
One of the methods to treat jaundice in your baby is through phototherapy treatment. In this method of treatment, your baby will be kept under a special light in the NICU for a limited time in the day. This special light helps to alter the bilirubin in the bloodstream into a form that can easily be processed by the liver.
Another tip for new parents is to feed your baby often. Breastfed newborn babies can be fed more than 10 times for the first few days after birth. It is advisable to consult your pediatrician regarding formula-fed babies.
Feeding your baby often helps to get rid of bilirubin present in the blood through urine. The more your baby feeds, the more urine your baby will pass.
In acute cases of jaundice, your pediatrician may recommend a blood transfusion for your baby. However, acute or severe jaundice cases are rare. Babies undergoing blood transfusion recover well and can even be discharged within a few days.
Kinder Women’s Hospital is the best paediatric hospital in Bangalore. We have an expert team of top pediatricians and also neonatologists in Bangalore. Our newborn care and facilities make us one of the leading children’s hospitals in Bangalore.
Over the years, we have garnered the trust of our patients, making us one of the most preferred pediatric hospitals in Bangalore. Our state-of-the-art level 3 NICU, our infrastructure and also our top-class facilities speak volumes of our dedication towards childbirth and newborn care.
At Kinder Women’s Hospital, we handle complex deliveries and special newborn cases. Our proven techniques and also our diagnostic assessments allow us to provide reliable care for mother and child.
Contact Kinder Women’s Hospital for the best pediatric and newborn care in Bangalore.
