Jaundice in the Newborn
Many babies become jaundiced soon after birth. Jaundice occurs in approximately 60% of term infants ( born between 37 - 42 weeks) and 80% of preterm infants (born before 37 weeks).Levels of jaundice your LMC or doctor is concerned about vary dpending on how old your baby is or if he/she was born premature.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is the name given for the yellow colour that your baby has. The yellow substance is called bilirubin and comes from the normal breakdown of blood cells. After birth some babies are slow to process the bilirubin.
Which babies are at risk?
Babies that are at risk are:
- Babies born before they are due.
- Babies whose blood group is different from that of their mother.
- Babies that are breastfed.
- Babies whose mother have diabetes.
- Babies that are low birth weight and small for dates.
- Male babies.
Is Jaundice serious?
A very high bilirubin level may be harmful. For example, it may affect the hearing and at extremely high levels may cause brain damage due to kernicterus (excess bilirubin in the brain leading to seizures, altered crying, lack of muscle tone).
How can I tell if my baby has jaundice?
Experts recommend this quick home test to check for jaundice: In a well-lit room, apply gentle pressure to your baby's chest; if there's a yellow tinge to the skin as the pressure is released, consult your LMC or your doctor. (This technique works best for fair-skinned children; for others, check for yellowness in the whites of the eyes or gums.)
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What are the tests?
Blood tests are taken from the heel to check the bilirubin level and blood tests and scans are done to find the cause of jaundice.
What is the treatment?
- If the bilirubin level is too high, the baby is given phototherapy (put under special lights). The lights break down the bilirubin.
- Baby is given extra feeds and may have to have an IV infusion (drip).
- Baby may need a special blood transfusion (exchange transfusion) for some types of jaundice.
How long is the treatment?
The baby will need the tests until bilirubin level is going down and nearly back to normal. Most babies stay on the ward with mothers.
Does the baby need any special checks?
Most babies who have jaundice do not need a special check after they leave hospital. If your baby is still jaundiced after four weeks you must see a doctor. Babies who have had very high level of jaundice will need a hearing test. Talk to your LMC or doctor about jaundice in the newborn.
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