Question
What are the dangers of neonatal jaundice? My baby is 15 days old, and their skin has been getting increasingly yellow. I think they might have jaundice. My mother-in-law says we don’t need to go to the hospital; just expose them to more sunlight and drink more water. But I’ve heard from friends that jaundice definitely needs to be seen by a doctor, as it can be harmful to the baby.
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is categorized into pathological jaundice and physiological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually appears within three days after birth, with mild symptoms and a short duration, typically fading within two weeks without treatment. Pathological jaundice is more severe and, if left untreated, can lead to bilirubin encephalopathy. Blue light from sunbathing can help the baby’s skin lighten.