Question
How to treat neonatal pathological jaundice?
Answer
Most newborns develop jaundice 2 to 3 days after birth, with the highest level observed between 4 to 5 days. Full-term infants typically see their jaundice fade between 10 to 14 days after birth, while premature infants may take 3 to 4 weeks to clear. Pathological jaundice usually appears within 24 hours after birth and may last for more than 2 weeks, or even longer than 3 weeks for premature infants. Your baby’s condition is neonatal jaundice, which is mostly physiological and may gradually disappear over time. If the jaundice worsens, phototherapy (blue light therapy) can be administered, and blood exchange therapy may be necessary if needed, to help the jaundice subside quickly.