This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.

NEWBORN JAUNDICE

While in the hospital or during the first week at home with your new baby, you may notice a yellow or orange tint to your baby’s skin or to the whites of the eyes. This is called normal (physiologic) jaundice.

WHAT CAUSES NEWBORN JAUNDICE?

Jaundice is caused by the normal breakdown of old red blood cells. A by-product called bilirubin (also called "bili") is formed by this process. In older babies, bilirubin is removed by the liver through the urine or stool. In newborns, the liver is still immature and may have difficulty getting rid of bilirubin. This bilirubin builds up in the blood stream, and is stored in other tissues in your baby’s body, giving the baby’s skin the yellow or orange tint which produces jaundice.

WHO GETS NEWBORN JAUNDICE?

Newborn jaundice is a common occurrence, noticeable in one-third to one-half of all healthy newborns.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NEWBORN JAUNDICE?

Usually the first symptom of newborn jaundice is a yellow or orange skin color, which starts at the baby’s head and chest, then progresses down to the feet.

Jaundice will increase for a few days, then disappear gradually around the second week of life without any medical treatment. You will probably be the first one to notice this change in your baby’s color. You can test your baby daily at home by gently pushing either the tip of the baby’s nose or on the breast-bone between the nipples. Immediately after releasing your finger, look at the skin to see if it is slightly yellow or orange, which would indicate jaundice.

Most infants with jaundice show no physical symptoms as the liver starts maturing. However, some newborn babies with severe jaundice may become either jittery or sleepy and sluggish. If either of these symptoms occurs along with a loss of appetite and dark yellow urine, call your pediatrician immediately.

DIAGNOSING NEWBORN JAUNDICE

Your pediatrician may order a blood test to check the baby’s bilirubin level while you and your newborn baby are still in the hospital. A few drops of blood will be taken from your baby’s heel. If concerned about the results of the blood test, the doctor will discuss with you the need for further medical treatment.

TREATMENT

If your baby is slightly yellow and has no other symptoms, daily exposure to sunlight through a window will help your baby’s body break down bilirubin. Normal jaundice will usually disappear by itself within two weeks.

If your baby has abnormal jaundice, the baby usually will be in the hospital, where he or she will be placed under special fluorescent light, called a "bili light". Treatment may take several days.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Try to expose as much of your baby’s skin as possible to sunlight. Never leave the baby unattended during sunlight treatments, so as to avoid sunburn or overheating. Before doing this home treatment, you should discuss any concerns or problems with your pediatrician.

It is important that you give plenty of fluids to your baby by feeding him or her more frequently. This will prevent your newborn from becoming dehydrated and stimulate the bowel (intestines) to get rid of the excess bili through the stools. There is no need to discontinue breastfeeding or to supplement your breastfeeding in any way.

COPING

The most important thing to know about newborn jaundice is that you did not do anything wrong to cause the jaundice in your baby. It is a common occurrence and most cases cannot be prevented. It is fairly easy to treat and should not recur. The yellow or orange tint will go away; the color changes are not permanent. A baby with normal newborn jaundice is not considered sick and may be held and played with as you normally would. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your pediatrician, nurse practitioner or your mother-baby nurse.

Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.

Planetree Health Fact Sheets are developed by Planetree, Inc., a non-profit consumer health organization, founded in 1978. The Planetree Alliance includes hospitals and libraries which, among many other patient-centered concepts, promote the importance of access to health information for patients, families, and community. For more information regarding affiliation with the international Planetree Alliance, call (203) 732-1365 or visit Planetree, Inc. at www.planetree.org.