Question
My newborn is over 20 days old and has a bilirubin level of 145. Will this have an impact on their body?
Answer
This situation may be physiological jaundice. Mild jaundice usually appears only on the face and neck, and may also extend to the trunk. Even the whites of the eyes may have a slight yellow tinge. It typically appears 2 to 3 days after birth and usually returns to normal skin color by 5 to 6 days. For some premature infants, jaundice may persist until the fourth week after birth. Blue light therapy is recommended, which may be effective.