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Jaundice

Jaundice is very common in newborn babies, giving their skin and the whites of their eyes a yellow color. It is commonly caused by a buildup of a substance called bilirubin in the baby’s blood and skin. Jaundice usually resolves within several days on its own, but it can be harmful if not treated when the bilirubin level becomes to high. All babies are screened for jaundice before they are discharged home.

RISK FACTORS FOR JAUNDICE

TYPES OF JAUNDICE • Physiological jaundice – This is the most common type of jaundice. It occurs in 50% of newborns. It may be from being born early or from bruising that occurred during childbirth. Your

• Early birth • Bruising • Asian descent

• A sibling who needed phototherapy • Maternal diabetes • Exclusive breastfeeding • Poor feeding with significant weight loss

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baby’s liver is unable to break down the bilirubin fast enough. This jaundice first appears at 2 to 3 days of age and may last up to 2 weeks. • Breastfeeding jaundice – This occurs in 5% to 10% of newborns who are not getting enough breast milk during their feedings. • Breast milk jaundice – This occurs in 1% to 2% of breastfed babies. While the exact reason is unknown, it is believed that substances in the mothers milk causes your baby’s intestines to absorb more bilirubin back in to their body. This type of jaundice starts at 4 to 7 days of age and may last 3 to 10 weeks. • Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO problems) – If a baby and mother have different blood types or Rh types, the baby is at higher risk of developing jaundice in the first 24 hours after birth. Sometimes the mother produces antibodies that destroy baby’s red blood cells. This causes a sudden buildup of bilirubin in the baby’s blood.

• A different blood type or Rh type from the mother • A genetic problem that makes red blood cells more fragile and break down like G6P

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF JAUNDICE First, the baby’s face and eyes become

yellow, then their chest and stomach, and finally, their legs — progressing from head to toe. Jaundice may be hard to see, especially in babies with dark skin. If you are unsure, gently press the skin on your baby’s nose or forehead. If it is jaundice, the skin will appear yellow when you lift your finger.

Other symptoms include: • Increased sleepiness • Poor feeding • Decreased stools

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