Question
My baby’s bilirubin level reached 291 on the fourth day after birth. Do I need to hospitalize them immediately? I’ve heard that many children’s jaundice can resolve on its own. Besides, my baby didn’t have jaundice on the first day, but it started appearing on the second day due to the hot weather.
Answer
Between 60% and 80% of newborns may experience physiological jaundice, which usually does not require hospitalization, as long as the level of jaundice is mild or moderate and the baby is in good spirits. However, if it is pathological jaundice with bilirubin levels exceeding a certain range and the baby is listless or has difficulty eating, hospitalization may be necessary, such as intravenous fluids or phototherapy. The above suggestions are for determining whether a newborn’s jaundice requires hospitalization. Please follow the doctor’s instructions and handle the situation based on your baby’s specific condition. I hope this answer is helpful to you, and wish your baby a healthy growth!