Question
Does the appearance of jaundice in newborns indicate infection? How should parents cope with the situation of newborn jaundice?
Answer
Newborn jaundice is a common phenomenon, with approximately 80%-90% of newborns experiencing it. Among them, 80% of newborns have physiological jaundice, which usually appears 3-4 days after birth and reaches its peak in 5-7 days, naturally subsiding within two weeks without affecting the baby’s growth and development. Parents can provide appropriate medication treatment for the baby, encourage them to drink plenty of warm water, and moderately expose them to sunlight to help jaundice subside. However, if it is pathological jaundice, it may appear within 24 hours after birth and the degree of jaundice may gradually worsen. If the serum bilirubin level exceeds 200, blue light therapy may need to be considered. Parents should closely monitor the changes in their baby’s jaundice.