Question
My baby is on the 5th day of life, and the hospital found jaundice level 13. The doctor recommended hospitalization. Is this level necessary for hospitalization? I feel very anxious and sad.
Answer
There are many causes of jaundice, and it is necessary to judge whether it is physiological jaundice or pathological jaundice based on the baby’s mode of birth and the time jaundice appears. Physiological jaundice usually appears 2-3 days after birth and gradually disappears in 7-10 days, so hospitalization is not necessary. Pathological jaundice may require hospitalization for further examination and treatment. If it is pathological jaundice, possible causes include: 1. Neonatal hemolysis, often accompanied by incompatible blood types between families; 2. Breast milk jaundice; 3. Reduced activity of glucuronate transferase. It is recommended to further check the cause of jaundice and follow the doctor’s advice for treatment.