Newborn Jaundice — What Every Parent Needs to Know
Yellow skin and eyes in a newborn is common — but when jaundice is severe and untreated, it can damage the brain. Know when to seek help immediately.
Newborn jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes — is one of the most common problems in newborns, affecting 60–70% of full-term babies in the first week of life. In most cases it is physiological (normal) and resolves on its own. However, high levels of bilirubin left untreated can cross into the brain and cause permanent brain damage (kernicterus) — including cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and intellectual disability. Dr. Sushma B (DNB Paediatrics, Fellowship PICU) provides specialist newborn jaundice assessment and phototherapy management at Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center, Chanda Nagar.
Key Points
- Newborn jaundice in the first week is physiological (normal) in most cases.
- Dangerous jaundice: appearing within 24 hours of birth, bilirubin above 15 in a full-term baby, or dark urine.
- Phototherapy (bili-lights) effectively brings bilirubin levels down — most babies respond within 24-48 hours.
- Breast milk jaundice can persist for 2-3 weeks — it is benign and breastfeeding should continue.
- Exchange transfusion is needed only in severe cases — it is rare with prompt phototherapy.
60%
of full-term newborns develop physiological jaundice
Source: AAP / NNF
24 hrs
if jaundice appears before this — it is abnormal
Source: NNF / AAP
Recognising Jaundice in Your Newborn
Yellow Skin and Eyes
Jaundice starts at the face and progresses downward. If jaundice has reached the abdomen, the bilirubin level is likely high enough to need investigation. Yellow eyes (scleral icterus) is always significant.
When Jaundice Appears
Physiological jaundice appears on day 2–3, peaks on day 4–5, and fades by 2 weeks in full-term babies. Jaundice appearing in the first 24 hours is always pathological and requires urgent assessment.
Feeding Difficulties
A jaundiced baby may be sleepy and feed poorly — which worsens the jaundice (breast milk is the best treatment, but poor intake allows bilirubin to rise further). Monitoring feeds is essential.
Signs of Serious Jaundice
High-pitched cry, arching of the back, extreme sleepiness, refusal to feed, or convulsions in a jaundiced newborn are danger signs. Go to hospital immediately.
Prolonged Jaundice (>2 Weeks)
Jaundice lasting beyond 14 days in a full-term baby needs investigation — to exclude biliary atresia (blockage of bile ducts), a surgical emergency if detected in the first 6 weeks of life.
How We Manage Newborn Jaundice
Bilirubin Measurement
Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening and serum bilirubin (TSB) measurement to determine whether the level is safe, needs monitoring, or requires treatment.
Phototherapy (Blue Light Treatment)
Special blue-wavelength light breaks down bilirubin in the skin. Safe, painless, and highly effective. The baby is placed under phototherapy lights with eyes protected. Most babies are treated for 24–48 hours.
Feeding Optimisation
Ensuring adequate breast milk or formula intake — frequent, effective feeds help clear bilirubin through stools. We guide mothers on proper breastfeeding technique and supplementation when needed.
Exchange Transfusion (Severe Cases)
For dangerously high bilirubin levels, exchange transfusion rapidly lowers bilirubin and prevents brain damage. Arranged urgently at a NICU facility when indicated.
Investigation of Pathological Jaundice
Blood group incompatibility, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, infection, and thyroid problems are investigated when jaundice is severe, early, or prolonged.
Why Choose Sri Anand Hospital?
Treated by: Dr. Sushma B · DNB Paediatrics · Fellowship PICU (IDPCCM) · Neonatal Expert
"Jaundice is one of the most common reasons I see newborns in the first week. Most cases are completely normal. But I look carefully for the warning signs — early-onset, rapid rise, or a baby who seems unwell — because timely treatment prevents kernicterus, which is permanent brain damage."
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