Question

How Long Does Neonatal Jaundice Take to Disappear?

Answer

Neonatal jaundice includes both physiological and pathological forms. For physiological jaundice, full-term newborns typically see it resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days after birth, with the latest not exceeding 2 weeks post-birth; for premature infants, the jaundice may take longer to disappear, usually by 3 to 4 weeks. Pathological jaundice tends to persist for a longer duration, often exceeding 3 weeks in premature infants. Neonatal jaundice can lead to skin and nervous system damage, and in severe cases, may cause secondary neuron bilirubin encephalopathy with high mortality rates and many survivors left with sequelae. It is advisable to consult a hospital for diagnosis if necessary, start breastfeeding early, and provide sufficient water and breast milk, avoiding excessive nourishing food.