Question
My child has been crying and the jaundice has been getting worse. Is this newborn jaundice innate? What should I pay attention to during daily care?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to a condition characterized by yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera during the neonatal period, categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. It is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the body, leading to elevated levels of blood bilirubin. Physiological jaundice in full-term infants usually occurs 2-3 days after birth, reaches its peak at 4-5 days, and resolves between 5-7 days, with the latest not exceeding 2 weeks. Premature infants may experience a longer duration. It’s important to monitor the extent and trend of your baby’s jaundice. If the jaundice persists and worsens, or if there are other obvious discomforts or abnormal symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, breastfeeding is one of the important measures to reduce the occurrence of newborn jaundice. If your baby’s jaundice is severe at birth, the doctor may suggest phototherapy treatment. Please note that this article only provides basic information; for specific situations, it is necessary to consult a professional doctor.