Most of the Newborn Babies are born with the Jaundice and its very easy for doctors to identify them after Baby’s Birth. At least 9 out of 19 babies are born within their First Week and it is not harmful if treated well. Babies who are born with a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes have jaundice symptoms.
Newborn babies are born with a higher then a normal number of red blood cells have Jaundice at birth. As these blood cells break down the body produces a waste product called bilirubin. When bilirubin levels in the body are raised it causes jaundice.
It’s easy to say that newborn baby parents should not worry but we understand that it’s not easy for any parents to see their newborn child going through any kind of pain or torture. It has been seen that babies who are born in India (Asia region), are at higher risk of developing jaundice as compare to the babies born in other countries.
Is Jaundice Dangerous for Newborn Babies
If the level of bilirubin becomes very high it can cause damage to the brain and it can be associated with hearing loss too. It’s essential to give the right treatment to the baby and the lower bilirubin levels to prevent any possible damage to the baby.
How Long Does it Stay
- Most of the Babies jaundiced last up to two weeks following birth.
- Most common in premature babies and it can last for 3 weeks in premature babies.
- In case your baby is still having jaundice after two weeks in full-term babies and 3 weeks in a premature baby, then you need to discuss the condition with your child doctor. Your doctor may advise you to go for some blood test to check the reason.
- Breastfeeding Babies take little bot longer time to get well as compared to formula feeding babies.
How is Jaundice Treated in Newborn Babies?
Jaundiced babies may be treated with phototherapy. Below are the process of the Jaundice Treatment:-
- Baby will be given a blood test before phototherapy is started to check for this.
- Babies are undressed and put under very bright blue light.
- The baby will wear the nappy and his/her eyes will be covered too.
- The special light helps to break down the chemical that causes jaundice.
- This treatment may continue for several days, but the mother can breastfeed their babies during this treatment.
- If jaundice gets worse, then your doctor may advise for an exchange transfusion of blood.
- It has been noticed that in some babies jaundice is because of liver disease and needs a different treatment.
- Babies can have a skin rash or diarrhea during and after this treatment.
- During phototherapy, your baby bilirubin level will be rechecked.
- Once your baby’s bilirubin is below a certain level, the phototherapy will be stopped.
- Generally, babies are put under the bilirubin level for around 48 hours under phototherapy lights.