Quick version
Jaundice is a very common and usually harmless condition in newborns, particularly in premature infants. It is caused by a temporary buildup of bilirubin as red blood cells break down. Symptoms primarily include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, but can also include dark urine and lethargy. While physiological jaundice often resolves on its own, medical evaluation may be necessary if bilirubin levels become too high.
Jaundice in Newborns
Jaundice (often referred to as neonatal jaundice) is very common during a baby's first week of life and is harmless in the vast majority of cases. It occurs when bilirubin—a substance formed naturally when old red blood cells are broken down—builds up in the body because the baby's liver is still immature and cannot eliminate it quickly enough.
Common symptoms in newborns:
- Yellowish skin and yellow whites of the eyes: The discoloration usually starts on the face and then spreads downward across the chest, stomach, and legs.
- Lethargy and reduced appetite: The baby may be difficult to wake, tired, and have a harder time latching to the breast or taking the bottle.
- Pale stools or dark urine: If the bile flow is affected, stools may become pale/clay-colored and the urine darker than normal.
Causes:
- Physiological jaundice: The absolute most common form. It is due to a temporary combination of high bilirubin production and an immature liver. It usually goes away on its own within 1–2 weeks.
- Breastfeeding-related jaundice: Can occur if the baby receives too little fluid during the first few days, or due to substances in breast milk that affect the breakdown of bilirubin.
- Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO incompatibility): If the mother and baby have different blood types, the mother's immune system can break down the baby's red blood cells more rapidly.
Treatment: Mild jaundice requires no treatment other than ensuring the baby gets enough breast milk or formula, as feeding helps the intestines eliminate the bilirubin. If bilirubin levels become too high, the baby is treated with light therapy (phototherapy) at the hospital.