Newborn and Infant Jaundice Care
Jaundice is very common in newborns and, in most cases, is harmless and resolves on its own. Still, it’s important to have your baby evaluated to ensure bilirubin levels stay within a safe range. Our board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists provide expert evaluation and treatment. Call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today at any of our five area locations.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow substance produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. A newborn’s liver is still developing and may not yet be able to remove bilirubin from the bloodstream efficiently, which is why jaundice is so common in the first days of life. In most cases, jaundice is mild and clears up as the baby’s liver matures. However, very high levels of bilirubin can be dangerous, so careful monitoring is important.
What Are the Types of Newborn Jaundice?
There are several types of jaundice that can affect newborns and infants:
Physiological Jaundice
The most common type, physiological jaundice, appears a few days after birth as the baby’s liver is still maturing. It usually resolves on its own within a couple of weeks.
Jaundice of Prematurity
Premature babies are more likely to develop jaundice because their livers are even less developed and they may be less able to process bilirubin.
Breastfeeding Jaundice
This can occur in the first week of life when a breastfed baby is not receiving enough milk, often because breastfeeding is still being established.
Breast Milk Jaundice
Appearing later, usually after the first week, breast milk jaundice is thought to be related to substances in breast milk that affect how bilirubin is processed. It can last for several weeks but is typically harmless.
Blood Group Incompatibility Jaundice
When a mother and baby have different blood types, the baby may produce a higher number of red blood cells that break down quickly, leading to increased bilirubin and jaundice.
How Is Jaundice Diagnosed?
Our providers begin by performing a physical exam to look for the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes. To measure your baby’s bilirubin level, the doctor may use:
- A skin test using a light meter (transcutaneous bilirubinometer) placed on the baby’s skin
- Blood tests to measure the exact level of bilirubin
The results, along with your baby’s age and other factors, help the doctor determine whether treatment is needed.
How Is Jaundice Treated?
Mild jaundice often requires no treatment beyond monitoring and ensuring your baby is feeding well. When treatment is needed, options include:
Phototherapy
Your baby is placed under special lights that help break down bilirubin so it can be removed from the body more easily.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
In cases related to blood group incompatibility, IVIG may be used to reduce the breakdown of red blood cells.
Exchange Transfusion
In rare, severe cases, an exchange transfusion may be performed to quickly lower very high bilirubin levels.
Most cases of newborn jaundice resolve without complications, especially with timely monitoring and care. Explore all of our pediatric GI services to learn more, then call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my newborn’s skin turning yellow?
A yellow tint to the skin and eyes is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a substance produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Because a newborn’s liver is still developing, it may not remove bilirubin efficiently, making jaundice very common in the first days of life.
Is newborn jaundice dangerous?
In most cases, jaundice is mild and harmless and resolves on its own as the baby’s liver matures. However, very high bilirubin levels can be harmful, which is why it’s important to have your baby monitored and evaluated.
When does newborn jaundice usually go away?
Physiological jaundice, the most common type, typically clears up within about two weeks. Breast milk jaundice can last longer, sometimes several weeks, but is usually harmless. Your provider will advise you based on your baby’s specific situation.
How is jaundice diagnosed in babies?
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam to check for yellowing of the skin and eyes. To measure bilirubin, the doctor may use a skin test with a light meter or order blood tests to determine the exact level and whether treatment is needed.
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy is a common and effective treatment in which your baby is placed under special lights. The light helps break down bilirubin in the skin so the body can remove it more easily. It is safe and widely used for treating newborn jaundice.
Can breastfeeding cause jaundice?
There are two related types. Breastfeeding jaundice can occur in the first week when a baby isn’t getting enough milk as feeding is being established, while breast milk jaundice appears later and is linked to substances in breast milk. In most cases, breastfeeding can and should continue, but always follow your provider’s guidance.
Which locations evaluate and treat infant jaundice?
Jaundice is evaluated and treated at all five of our locations: Evergreen Park, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Romeoville in Illinois, or Highland, Indiana. Call (708) 581-4911 to schedule.