Pregnancy And Baby Care Baby Health Baby Jaundice

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However, the baby’s liver needs time to adjust in order to remove bilirubin. As it adjusts within the weeks after delivery, this chemical builds up leads to jaundice.

Jaundice in babies is indicated when your baby gets a yellowish tint in his/her complexion. The best way to see jaundice is by placing your baby under a good light like daylight or some fluorescent light. Jaundice in babies usually appears first on the face and then moves to the chest, abdomen, arms and legs as the chemical level increases. The whites of your baby’s eyes may also turn yellow. It is difficult to look out for these signs in babies with a dark complexion.

Jaundice Conditions in Newborn Baby

This is the most important question that concerns every parent. Generally, mild jaundice is usually harmless. However, in some cases, the bilirubin levels can increase to an unusual extent, thereby leading to possible brain damage.

This is the main reason why it is important to check for jaundice in newborn babies.

Test for Jaundice in Newborn Baby

If your baby looks jaundiced for the first few days after delivery, the doctor may suggest a skin or a blood test to check the bilirubin level. A bilirubin level test is always done if your baby is at least a day old. This test depends on your baby’s age, the amount of jaundice, and other such factors.

Breastfeeding Your Baby

It is important to nurse your baby at least eight to twelve times a day. This will help to bring down the chemical levels in his/her body. This is the best way to ward off jaundice in babies.

• You need to call for a doctor in case you notice:
• Your baby’s skin turning yellow
• Your baby’s abdomen, legs, and arms turning yellow
• The whites of your baby’s eyes turning yellow
• Your baby is continuously sleeping and not nursing.

A little alertness is what is needed from your side in order to ensure that your baby is healthy.