Jaundice is a common condition in newborns. It causes a yellowish tint to the skin and eyes and occurs when there is too much bilirubin in the baby’s bloodstream. Bilirubin is a substance created when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin so it can be excreted. In newborns, the liver may not be fully developed and may struggle to process bilirubin. This can lead to jaundice.
In most cases, jaundice is mild and goes away on its own. However, it is important for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs of jaundice early. In this article, we will explore the method of checking for jaundice in a newborn.
Signs of Jaundice in Newborns
The most obvious sign of jaundice is the yellowish tint to the baby’s skin and eyes. However, there are other signs and symptoms to be aware of.
Yellowish Skin and Eyes
The first and most common sign of jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It usually starts on the baby’s face and gradually spreads down to the chest, abdomen, arms, and legs. The yellowing may be more noticeable under natural light.
Changes in Feeding Patterns
Babies with jaundice may feed less than usual, as they may feel more tired or lethargic. Reduced feeding can cause dehydration, which can make jaundice worse.
Sleepiness
Jaundiced babies may appear unusually sleepy or difficult to wake. If a baby sleeps through feedings or seems excessively tired, it could be a sign of jaundice.
Dark Urine
Dark yellow or amber-colored urine is another possible sign of jaundice. Newborn urine should generally be pale or clear. Dark urine could indicate that the bilirubin levels are high.
Pale Stools
Normally, a baby’s stools are yellow, but in some cases of jaundice, the baby’s stool may appear pale or white. This could be a sign of a problem with the liver or bile ducts.
How to Check for Jaundice at Home
While jaundice is common in newborns, parents should still check their baby for signs of it regularly, especially in the first few days after birth. Here are simple ways to check for jaundice at home.
Check the Skin Color
The easiest way to check for jaundice is to gently press on the baby’s skin. In natural light, press down on the baby’s forehead, nose, or chest to see if the skin changes color. If the skin appears yellow when you release the pressure, it could be a sign of jaundice. The yellowing may be subtle, so make sure to check the baby in different light conditions.
Check the Eyes
The whites of the eyes (sclera) are often the first place jaundice shows up. Look at your baby’s eyes closely. If the sclera appears yellow, the baby may have jaundice. This is usually more noticeable in natural light, so take the baby outdoors or near a window to assess the eye color.
Look for Other Symptoms
While jaundice is mainly identified by yellowing of the skin and eyes, you should also be aware of other symptoms. If your baby is unusually sleepy, feeds poorly, or has dark urine or pale stools, these may be additional signs of jaundice.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most cases of jaundice in newborns are harmless and resolve on their own. However, in some situations, jaundice can be a sign of a more serious condition. Parents should contact a healthcare provider if:
- The baby’s skin or eyes turn very yellow, especially if it spreads quickly.
- The baby seems unusually lethargic or difficult to wake for feedings.
- The baby’s urine is dark or the stools are very pale.
- The baby is not feeding well or is losing weight.
- The jaundice appears after the first few days of life or worsens after the baby is a week old.
It’s also important to seek medical advice if jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of life, as this may indicate a more serious problem that needs immediate attention.
How Jaundice is Diagnosed
If you suspect your baby has jaundice, the doctor will perform a physical examination and may conduct a blood test to check the baby’s bilirubin levels. In most cases, the doctor will perform a simple test called a “bilirubin test,” which measures how much bilirubin is in the baby’s blood.
The doctor may also ask about the baby’s feeding habits and if there are any other symptoms, such as dehydration or poor weight gain. This helps the doctor determine the severity of the jaundice and whether treatment is necessary.
Treatment Options for Jaundice
In many cases, jaundice will resolve on its own without the need for treatment. However, if the bilirubin levels are too high, the baby may need medical intervention. Here are some common treatment options:
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is the most common treatment for jaundice in newborns. The baby is placed under special blue lights that help break down the bilirubin in the skin. The light helps the body process and eliminate the bilirubin more quickly. Phototherapy is safe and effective for most babies with jaundice.
Exchange Transfusion
In rare cases, when bilirubin levels are dangerously high and phototherapy is not effective, a procedure called an exchange transfusion may be required. This involves replacing the baby’s blood with donor blood to quickly remove the excess bilirubin. This procedure is generally used only for severe cases of jaundice.
Increase Feeding
One simple but effective treatment for mild jaundice is increasing the baby’s feeding frequency. More frequent feedings help the baby excrete bilirubin through urine and stools. Breastfeeding or formula feeding every two to three hours can help prevent jaundice from worsening.
Preventing Jaundice
While it is not always possible to prevent jaundice, there are some steps parents can take to reduce the risk:
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to help prevent jaundice. Breast milk helps the baby’s body process bilirubin and excrete it through the stool. Try to breastfeed your baby at least 8–12 times a day in the first few weeks.
Ensure Adequate Hydration
Make sure the baby is getting enough fluids, either through breastfeeding or formula feeding. Adequate hydration helps the baby’s body get rid of excess bilirubin through urine.
Monitor for Signs Early
The earlier jaundice is detected, the easier it is to manage. Regularly check for the yellowish tint on your baby’s skin and eyes, especially in the first week of life.
Conclusion
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns and can often be treated with simple measures. Early detection is key, so parents should regularly check their baby’s skin and eyes for any signs of yellowing. If jaundice is suspected, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. With timely care, most babies recover from jaundice without any long-term effects.
By staying informed about the signs of jaundice and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can ensure the health and well-being of your newborn.
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