Jaundice: Types, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

Author: Dr. Sunny Narula  MBBS, MD
Consultant: Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital Mohali

Newborn jaundice refers to a condition when your baby’s skin and the white parts of his eyes start looking yellow. According to Dr Sunny Narula, MBBS, MD, Consultant- Paediatrics and Neonatologist, newborn jaundice is very common affecting about 3 in 5 babies. It is usually caused by the build-up of bilirubin in the body. Although mostly newborn jaundice is mild and goes on its own. You should, however, visit the best child specialist in Mohali if you notice the condition not going away. 

What is Jaundice in Newborn? 

In simpler language, the best child specialist doctor in Mohali explains jaundice as the buildup of a substance called bilirubin in your child’s body. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that your body creates when red blood cells break down. When pregnant, your liver produces bilirubin for the baby. After birth, however, the liver of your baby should start removing bilirubin. Sometimes when the liver of your baby is not completely developed, it may not be able to remove bilirubin. This excess bilirubin leads to the skin appearing yellow. 

Jaundice in newborns is common, not serious, and goes away within a couple of weeks. It is, however, important that you at least visit the best child specialist in Mohali as a precautionary measure.  

What are the Types of Jaundice in Newborns?  

Jaundice in newborns is of three types: 

Physiological Jaundice:  

This is the most common type of jaundice which develops in most newborns by their second or third day of life. It usually is not serious and goes away on its own within two weeks.  

Breastfeeding Jaundice:  

Jaundice is also more common in breastfed babies than formula-fed babies. Breastfeeding jaundice occurs when your baby does not receive enough breast milk. It can occur due to nursing difficulties. This type may take longer to go away.  

Breastmilk Jaundice: 

Breast milk jaundice is different from breastfeeding jaundice. Sometimes the substances in your breast milk can also affect your baby’s liver. This can cause bilirubin to build up.   

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborn? 

The main sign of jaundice is the yellowing of your baby’s skin. The skin usually starts appearing yellow on your baby’s face first. Moreover, the white part of your baby’s eyes and under their tongue may also get yellow. The more the level of bilirubin in your baby’s body, the more yellowing in the belly, arms, and legs.  

What are the Causes of Jaundice in Newborns? 

According to the best child specialist in Mohali, the common causes of jaundice in newborns are: 

1. Blood infection or sepsis. 
2. Different blood type than you.
3. Low oxygen level or hypoxia. 
4. Bruising from a difficult birth. 
5. Excess red blood cells. 
6. Another liver condition such as biliary atresia. 

How is Jaundice in newborns treated? 

In mild cases, the treatment for jaundice is not necessary. The symptoms go away on its own as your baby’s liver develops. This takes up to one or two weeks. If the bilirubin levels of your baby are continuously high or are rising, you may need to visit the best child specialist doctor in Mohali for further treatment. 

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Mohali that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Mohali at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr.Sunny Narula, please book your appointment here.