Neonatal Jaundice

Overview

Neonatal Jaundice is a very common condition in newborns characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. In India, nearly 60% of full-term babies and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice in their first week of life. This happens because a baby's liver is still maturing and cannot quickly remove bilirubin—a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. While most cases are physiological and resolve on their own with proper feeding, some infants require specialized medical care to prevent high bilirubin levels from affecting the brain. At Sanjeevi Hospital in Sangareddy, we understand that seeing your newborn with a yellowish tint can be worrying for new parents. It is important to remember that with early detection and the right pediatric support, this condition is highly manageable. Our team focuses on gentle monitoring and evidence-based treatments to ensure your little one recovers quickly and returns home safely in your arms.

Symptoms to watch for

• Yellowish tint appearing first on the baby's face and forehead
• Yellow color spreading to the chest, stomach, arms, and legs
• The whites of the baby’s eyes (sclera) looking yellow
• Baby appearing unusually sleepy or difficult to wake up for feeds
• Poor feeding or difficulty latching during breastfeeding
• High-pitched crying that sounds different from their usual cry
• Dark or tea-colored urine (newborn urine should normally be near colorless)
• Pale-colored stools instead of the typical mustard-yellow or green
• Arching of the back or neck backward (in more severe cases)

Causes & risk factors

• Immature liver function that cannot process bilirubin efficiently
• Incompatibility between the mother's and baby's blood types (Rh or ABO)
• Short lifespan of newborn red blood cells compared to adults
• Inadequate milk intake leading to dehydration or slow bowel movements
• Internal bruising during the birth process (cephalohematoma)
• Infection or sepsis in the newborn's bloodstream
• G6PD deficiency, a common enzyme deficiency in the Indian population
• Biliary atresia or other underlying liver or bile duct blockages

Diagnosis

• Visual examination of the baby in bright natural light or white light
• Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer (TcB) test using a light device on the baby's skin
• Serum Bilirubin blood test to measure the exact concentration in the laboratory
• Blood typing and Coomb's test to check for maternal-fetal blood incompatibility
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check for signs of infection or anemia
• Reticulocyte count to see how fast the baby is producing new red blood cells
• Liver function tests if the jaundice persists beyond the first two weeks

Treatment options

Prevention & self-care

• Ensure your baby begins breastfeeding within the first hour of birth
• Feed your newborn 8 to 12 times every 24 hours to promote bowel movements
• Monitor the number of wet and soiled diapers daily to ensure hydration
• Attend all scheduled pediatric check-ups within the first week of life
• Keep the baby well-hydrated, especially during the hot summer months in Telangana
• Avoid giving plain water or honey to the newborn; breast milk is sufficient
• Discuss any family history of G6PD deficiency or blood disorders with your doctor
• Check your baby's skin color daily in natural sunlight near a window