A common condition that many babies develop in the first week of birth is jaundice. It gives a yellow tint to your baby’s skin. Jaundice, although mostly harmless and temporary, can cause complications, especially if the bilirubin levels rise significantly. Knowing the early signs of jaundice and when to see a pediatrician in Mumbai is crucial for a quick recovery.
In this post, we’ve shared a detailed guide on what causes jaundice, preventive measures to reduce the risk, and the importance of early detection. Read on.
Causes and Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a substance that’s released when your red blood cells break down, increases. In a healthy adult, the liver eliminates bilirubin. However, in babies (especially premature ones), the liver may not be mature enough to break down and effectively remove bilirubin. Here are the types of newborn jaundice.
Physiological: Many babies develop physiological jaundice, which develops on the third or fourth day after birth.
Breastfeeding: If your baby doesn’t get enough milk from breastfeeding, they can become dehydrated, leading to jaundice.
Breast milk: Breast milk contains compounds that can affect bilirubin processing.
Blood Type Incompatibility: Jaundice can also occur when the baby’s and mother’s blood types are different.
Premature Babies: Bilirubin may not break down or be removed efficiently in premature babies, as their livers have not fully matured.
Symptoms of Jaundice
Recognizing the early signs of jaundice and seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent complications. Here’s what you must watch out for:
- Yellow skin
- Yellow tint on the baby’s eyes (the white part)
- Lethargy
- Not feeding
- Pale stool
- Dark yellow urine
Prevention Strategies
You can’t prevent all types of jaundice mentioned above. For example, jaundice due to the mother’s and baby’s blood incompatibility can’t be prevented. However, some preventive actions can reduce your baby’s risk of developing certain types of jaundice.
Ensuring Proper Feeding and Hydration: Your baby needs 8-12 feeds a day. It’s advisable to feed them as often as they demand. Whether you are feeding breastmilk or formula, ensure they are getting enough so that excess bilirubin can be eliminated from their bodies through urine and stool.
Monitoring Baby’s Bilirubin Levels: If you have a premature baby, blood type incompatibility, and other risk factors that make your baby more prone to developing jaundice, the pediatrician will recommend a bilirubin test. They will also run the test on the third and fifth days after the baby’s birth to ensure their bilirubin level is within a normal range.
Promoting Regular Bowel Movements: Bilirubin is removed from your body through the stools. So, keep an eye on your baby’s poop, its consistency, and frequency.
Importance of Early Detection
The hospital will run the basic tests after your baby’s birth. However, it’s best to take them to a pediatrician within a week of their birth just to ensure they are gaining enough weight and are overall healthy. If required, the doctor will order a blood test to rule out jaundice.
What to Do if Jaundice is Suspected
Treatment of neonatal jaundice in Mumbai is crucial for babies with high bilirubin levels. It’s advisable to take your baby to a doctor if the whites of their eyes and skin seem yellowish. The doctor may use phototherapy, which involves a special light to break down bilirubin. Other medical treatments might be necessary depending on the severity.