Question
My wife has been in the delivery room for a few hours, and the baby hasn’t come out yet, but she has. The doctor said the baby’s bilirubin level is very high. We are very worried. What are the possible drawbacks of newborn jaundice?
Answer
Newborn jaundice is categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice typically requires proper care and feeding, with bilirubin levels gradually improving. If the baby’s bilirubin level is high within 24 hours after birth, there may be a risk of pathological jaundice. Treatment methods mainly include phototherapy or medication, but it is first necessary to identify the cause of the jaundice and actively treat the underlying condition.