Different types of baby jaundice

As a new parent, the first thing you’ll likely notice about your newborn baby is their soft and delicate skin

But for some parents, their baby’s skin may appear to be a slightly orange or yellow color, which can be concerning. This condition is known as jaundice and it’s actually quite common in newborn babies.

Jaundice is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a substance that forms when red blood cells break down. Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted through the baby’s urine and stool. However, in newborns, the liver is not yet fully developed and may not be able to process bilirubin as efficiently. This can cause bilirubin levels to build up in the baby’s bloodstream, leading to jaundice.

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There are a few different types of baby jaundice that can occur in newborns, each with their own specific causes.

1. Physiological jaundice: This is the most common type of jaundice and is caused by the baby’s immature liver. It typically appears within the first 24-48 hours after birth and resolves on its own within 7-10 days.
2. Breast milk jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by an incompatibility between the baby’s and the mother’s blood type. It typically appears between the 2nd and 14th day of life and resolves on its own within 2-3 weeks.
3. Hemolytic jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by the breakdown of red blood cells due to an incompatibility between the baby’s and the mother’s blood type. It typically appears within the first 24-48 hours after birth and may require treatment.
4. Infectious jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by a bacterial infection, such as sepsis or urinary tract infection. It typically appears within the first 24-48 hours after birth and may require treatment.
5. Metabolic jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by a genetic disorder, such as Gilbert’s syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, or Dubin-Johnson syndrome. It typically appears within the first 24-48 hours after birth and may require treatment.

Baby Jaundice is usually diagnosed by measuring bilirubin levels in the baby’s blood. In most cases of physiological jaundice, no treatment is necessary, and the baby’s liver will mature and the bilirubin levels will decrease. However, in more severe cases of jaundice, treatment may be necessary. This can include phototherapy (exposure to special lights) or, in rare cases, a blood transfusion.

Is baby jaundice harmful

It’s important to note that baby jaundice is not harmful to the baby and it won’t cause any long-term health problems. However, it’s important to have your baby checked by a pediatrician to ensure that the jaundice is not caused by an underlying condition that requires treatment.

In conclusion, jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies that is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the baby’s bloodstream. It can have various causes, and it may require treatment in some cases. But most importantly, it’s not harmful to the baby and it won’t cause any long-term health problems. Always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your newborn baby’s health.