Jaundice in Newborn Infants - Is it harmful?
Jaundice is particularly common in newborn infant. So what is jaundice? Is it harmful? When you need to have your baby see a doctor? etc. These questions will be answered shortly and understandably by Dr. Tran Thi Hoang Oanh - Pediatricians of CarePlus International Clinics.
4/6/2018 8:42:00 AM
WHAT IS NEWBORN JAUNDICE?
Jaundice is the name given to yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, and is common in infants.Jaundice is the name given to yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, and is common in infants.
IS JAUNDICE HARMFUL TO BABY?
Typically, jaundice in infants is very common, is usually harmless, and usually clears up on its own within 2 weeks. However, there are some severe cases when the bilirubin level stays too high that jaundice becomes kernicterus and causes brain damage.
You need to have your infant examined timely to diagnose severe jaundice cases.
HOW TO KNOW YOUR BABY HAVE JAUNDICE?
You have to look at your baby every morning at bright places, near the window for example. Using your hand to stretch the yellow skin area of your baby as picture shown.
WHICH BABIES ARE MORE LIKELY TO NEED TREATMENT FOR JAUNDICE?
1. Babies who have signs of jaundice in the first 24 hours after birth.
2. Premature birth
3. Babies who do not get enough nutrients or calories from breast milk
4. Birth hard, hemorrhage under the scalp
5. Babies who have a brother or sister who had jaundice
SEVERE JAUNDICE SYMPTOMS
1. Your baby's skin looks yellow on the abdomen, arms or legs; Your baby's skin becomes more yellow
2. Your baby seems listless or sick or is difficult to awaken
3. Your baby makes high-pitched cries
4. Bent over backwards