Infant Jaundice

Infant jaundice is a common condition in newborns characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It occurs due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Newborns often have immature livers that are not yet efficient at removing bilirubin from the bloodstream. Infant jaundice usually appears within the first few days of life and often resolves on its own.

Symptoms

• Yellow discoloration of the skin, starting from the face and spreading downward

• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes

• Poor feeding or difficulty waking in some cases

• Dark yellow urine instead of colorless urine

• Pale-colored stools in severe cases

Causes

Infant jaundice develops when bilirubin builds up faster than a newborn’s liver can process and eliminate it. Common causes include:

• Physiological jaundice due to immature liver function

• Breastfeeding jaundice related to inadequate milk intake in the early days

• Breast milk jaundice caused by substances in breast milk that affect bilirubin breakdown

• Blood group incompatibility between mother and baby

• Premature birth, which increases the risk due to underdeveloped liver function

Risk factors

• Premature or low-birth-weight infants

• Bruising during birth, leading to increased red blood cell breakdown

• Blood type differences between mother and baby

• Difficulty with breastfeeding

• Family history of newborn jaundice

Complications

• Severe hyperbilirubinemia

• Kernicterus, a rare but serious form of brain damage caused by very high bilirubin levels

• Developmental delays if untreated in severe cases

• Hearing loss in rare situations

Prevention

While infant jaundice cannot always be prevented, the risk of complications can be reduced by:

• Early and frequent feeding to promote bilirubin elimination

• Monitoring bilirubin levels in newborns during the first few days of life

• Follow-up visits after discharge from the hospital

• Prompt treatment with phototherapy when recommended

• Seeking medical care if jaundice appears to worsen or spreads rapidly

Most cases of infant jaundice are mild and resolve within one to two weeks. Early monitoring and timely treatment help ensure healthy outcomes for newborns.