Welcoming a newborn into your family is a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s joy, excitement, and, let's face it, a lot of concerns. One thing that might catch you off guard is noticing a yellowish tint on your baby’s skin or eyes. This might be jaundice. At first, it can be a bit scary, but this is actually very common and usually nothing to stress about. Yes, it can be serious in some cases. That’s why it’s always good to consult with a general pediatrician doctor in Delhi, as they can help you understand the situation better.
Curious about what jaundice is, why it happens, and what you can do about it? Keep reading to find out.
Jaundice in Newborns
Jaundice in newborns is when a baby's skin, eyes, and sometimes (in rare cases) mouth turn a little yellow. This happens because of a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow substance made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Newborns have underdeveloped livers, and it can take a bit longer to get rid of the bilirubin, so they can't remove it quickly in the first few days after birth. This can lead to jaundice in the newborns. It can get serious if newborns do not receive proper supervision.
Types of Jaundice in Newborns
There are a few different reasons why a newborn may develop jaundice:
Physiological Jaundice: This is the most common type, affecting almost 60% of babies. This usually occurs on the 2nd or 3rd day after the birth. Normally, it can resolve on its own within one to two weeks. If not, you should consult a General Pediatrician in South Delhi for professional supervision.
Breast Milk Jaundice: This is quite a rare type of substance in the mother’s breast milk that can interfere with the baby’s ability to process bilirubin. This will eventually lead to jaundice. However, this usually isn’t harmful and can often be resolved with continued breastfeeding. If it does not resolve within a certain time, you should consult with a pediatrician.
How to Spot Jaundice in Your Newborn?
Are you having a hard time understanding whether your baby has jaundice or just yellow skin? Here are some symptoms you should look out for:
Check the baby’s face, chest, and eyes for a yellow tint.
The whites of the eyes may have some yellow in them, which is usually an early sign of jaundice.
See if your newborn’s urine colour is more yellowish than normal. A darker colour can be a sign of high bilirubin levels.
How is Jaundice Treated in Newborns?
In most cases, jaundice often does not require any treatment and goes away on its own. However, in severe cases, treatments are required. Here are most opted treated for jaundice by professionals:
Excess Feeding: Yes, excess feeding can help get rid of bilirubin in the body. More frequent feedings, either breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, help the baby pass the bilirubin through their stool.
If jaundice is severe, your baby might need to stay in the hospital for observation and further treatment. This could include intravenous fluids or a blood transfusion in very rare cases. A pediatrician will monitor the bilirubin levels and guide you properly on the best approach for your baby.
When to Get Medical Help?
Most cases of jaundice in newborns are usually mild and, therefore, can resolve on their own. However, if you feel the situation is much more serious than it seems, you should get medical help. You should reach out to a healthcare professional if:
Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of birth
The yellow skin and eyes seem to be getting worse
You notice that your baby’s skin is turning very dark yellow, in some cases green
Immediately visit a trusted pediatrician near you to get proper treatment for your newborn.
Who is The Best Pediatrician in South Delhi?
As much as jaundice is a self-healing health issue, it can be concerning if not supervised properly. Therefore, it is always essential to have a trusted pediatrician by your side to help you through such situations. Dr Promilla Butani is an experienced pediatrician with 52 years of experience treating newborns and children. Her expertise and skill sure have made her the best pediatrician in South Delhi, making her the perfect choice for your child.
Your baby’s health should always be a priority. Choose the best doctor because, with the right care early on, they’ll have a smooth start.
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