Question
My baby has been born for five days, and recently, we’ve noticed that his face is a bit yellowish. The family suspects it might be jaundice. What is the normal range for newborn jaundice?
Answer
Newborn jaundice can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice is a temporary jaundice caused by the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism, usually appearing 2-3 days after birth, reaching its peak at 4-6 days, and subsiding between 7-10 days. Premature infants may have a longer duration, with only mild loss of appetite as a clinical symptom. The bilirubin level in physiological jaundice generally does not exceed 12.5 mg/dL. If you suspect your baby has jaundice, it is recommended to bring them to the hospital for examination to determine the type of jaundice and whether the bilirubin level is within the normal range.