Question
Jaundice in newborns often appears shortly after birth and usually subsides after about two weeks. How often should newborn jaundice be checked?
Answer
Firstly, it’s important to know the normal range of jaundice, which should generally not exceed 6mg/dl. Mild jaundice is usually visible on the whites of the eyes and the face, moderate jaundice primarily on the shoulders and trunk, and severe jaundice with noticeable yellowing of the lower limbs. Therefore, if jaundice is detected on the face or in the whites of the eyes, immediate re-examination of the newborn for jaundice should be conducted, rather than at fixed time intervals. If the jaundice level is too high, it is advisable to take the baby to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.