Question
What should be done if a newborn shows signs of jaundice on the third day after birth?
Answer
When a newborn develops jaundice, it’s crucial to determine the cause, the level of jaundice, and the baby’s overall condition. It is recommended to conduct a jaundice value test. If the jaundice level is high enough to meet the criteria for phototherapy, inpatient treatment is advised. Physiological jaundice usually appears two to three days after birth, peaks between three to five days, and subsides between five to seven days, with the latest not exceeding two weeks. If the jaundice level is not too high, it may resolve on its own. Therefore, it is advisable to go to the hospital for a jaundice value test to determine whether further treatment is necessary.