Question
How Long Does Neonatal Jaundice Last?
Answer
In the mother’s womb, due to low oxygen pressure in the blood, the fetus has a high number of red blood cells. After birth, the newborn gains oxygen through lung breathing, and the red blood cells are broken down to produce bilirubin. The liver’s glucuronyl transferase in full-term infants requires 3 to 5 days, while in premature infants it takes 5 to 7 days. Newborns have immature glucuronyl transferase, leading to jaundice. After birth, the enzyme gradually matures, and jaundice fades.