Question
When does the peak period of neonatal jaundice usually occur? How should parents distinguish between physiological and pathological jaundice on their own? How should feeding be conducted during the baby’s jaundice, and is increased fluid intake necessary?
Answer
The peak period of neonatal jaundice generally occurs between 2 to 3 days after birth, reaching its height from 4 to 6 days, and gradually subsiding around 10 days. Physiological jaundice is characterized by only slight loss of appetite without other clinical symptoms. If jaundice appears within 24 hours after birth, persists for 2 to 3 weeks without fading, or if the bilirubin levels are extremely high, or if it recurs after deepening or fading, or if it begins to appear from one week to several weeks after birth, it is considered pathological jaundice. For physiological jaundice, no special treatment is usually required. Appropriate sunlight exposure, increasing the intake of breast milk, and promoting defecation will be helpful.