Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns

Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns

Understanding Jaundice in Babies

Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns Jaundice in babies makes their skin and eyes look yellow. It happens when bilirubin builds up in their blood.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice makes the skin and eyes look yellow. This is because of too much bilirubin. Bilirubin is made when old red blood cells break down. Newborns have trouble getting rid of bilirubin because their livers are still growing.

---

Get Free Consultation

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

- Step 1 of 4

Select Your Gender *

• Woman
• Man

Next

Select Your Age

Age: 0

Next

When do you plan on getting The Treatment? *

• As Soon
• 3 Months
• 1 Year
• Only Info

Next

What is your name? *

Dropdown *Select Your TreatmentCheck-upEar Nose ThroatCardiovascular SurgeryMedical OncologyDentistryNutrition and DieteticsPediatricsDermatologyPhysical Therapy and RehabilitationGeneral SurgeryOphtalmologyInternal MedicineObstetrics and GynecologyWeight Loss SurgeryOrthopedics Traumatology and Sport InjuriesNeurologyNeurosurgeryRadiation OncologyEndoscopyCardiologyRadiologyUrologyOrgan TransplantationHematologyAesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBone Marrow TransplantationIVF

Phone *

What is your email? *

Paragraph Text

Get Your Consultation

---

ACIBADEM Health Point: The Future of Healthcare

We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, which is why we have established multiple branches in strategic locations. Whether you're in need of routine check-ups, specialized treatments, or emergency care, ACIBADEM Health Point is here for you.

---

Why Does Jaundice Occur?

Newborns get jaundice because their livers can’t remove bilirubin fast enough. Bilirubin builds up quickly right after birth. Things that make babies more likely to get jaundice include:

• Physiological jaundice – This is the most common type. It happens when bilirubin builds up naturally.
• Breastfeeding jaundice – Some breastfed babies get jaundice if they don’t get enough milk.
• Pathological jaundice – This is rare and means there’s a health issue causing too much red blood cell breakdown or liver problems.

Knowing why newborns get jaundice helps us treat it early. This keeps babies healthy and safe.

Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns

Newborn jaundice is a common condition. It makes the skin and eyes look yellow. It’s important to check bilirubin levels early to manage it.

Measurement of Bilirubin Levels

Checking bilirubin levels in newborns is done in two ways. These methods help spot neonatal jaundice early.

• Transcutaneous Bilirubin (TcB) Measurement: This method uses a device to check bilirubin levels by shining light on the skin.
• Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) Test: This blood test gives an exact bilirubin level. It’s key for neonatal jaundice diagnosis and tracking.

Normal Bilirubin Range

Knowing what bilirubin levels are normal is important. For full-term babies, levels should be between 1 to 12 mg/dL. Here’s a table showing normal levels for different ages:

Indicators for Concern

Some jaundice is okay, but high bilirubin levels are a worry. Doctors watch for signs like:

1. Rapid rise in bilirubin levels.
2. Bilirubin levels over 15 mg/dL in the first 48 hours.
3. Jaundice lasting more than two weeks.

If these signs show up, it’s important to see a doctor fast. This helps manage neonatal jaundice risks.

Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborns

Spotting jaundice in babies is more than seeing a color change. It’s key to catch it early for better care and health.

Visible Symptoms

One clear sign is when a baby’s skin and eyes turn yellow. This starts on the face and spreads down to the chest, belly, legs, and eyes. Watch for:

• Yellowing in the gums
• Dark yellow urine (usually infants’ urine is colorless)
• Light-colored stools (instead of the usual dark, greenish stools)

Behavioral Symptoms

Babies with jaundice may also act differently. Look out for:

• Excessive sleepiness
• Poor feeding or difficulty latching
• Irritability and high-pitched crying
• Reduced muscle tone (floppiness)

Keep an eye on these signs and get expert help for early and right care.

Neonatal Jaundice: Causes and Risk Factors

Neonatal jaundice is a common issue in newborns. It has many causes. Knowing these is key for treatment.

Physiological Causes

Jaundice happens when newborns break down red blood cells. Their livers can’t handle bilirubin well. It usually starts between the second and fourth day of life.

Pathological Causes

Some jaundice is serious. Breastfeeding jaundice is one cause, from not drinking enough milk. Other causes include blood type issues and infections.

Risk Factors

Some babies are more likely to get jaundice. Preterm babies have a higher risk because their livers are less developed. Other risks include family history and breastfeeding issues.

Diagnosis of Jaundice in Babies

Finding jaundice in newborns is very important for their health. Doctors start by doing a pediatric assessment. They look for the yellow skin and eyes. This is the first sign of jaundice.

Doctors use diagnostic tests for jaundice to make sure. These tests check the baby’s bilirubin levels. Here’s a table that shows the tests used in neonatal care:

These diagnostic tests for jaundice are key for a full pediatric assessment. In neonatal care, quick and right diagnosis helps start treatment fast. This keeps the baby safe and healthy.

Jaundice Treatment Options

Jaundice treatment is key for keeping newborns healthy. There are many ways to lower bilirubin levels. Let’s look at the main ways to treat jaundice in babies.

Phototherapy for Jaundice

Phototherapy is the top way to treat jaundice. It uses special light to break down bilirubin in the skin.

• The baby is placed under a phototherapy light or on a fiber-optic blanket that emits light.
• The light changes the bilirubin molecules, making them easier for the baby’s liver to process and eliminate.
• Sessions typically last several hours, and the duration depends on the severity of jaundice.

Phototherapy works well, and many babies get better in a few days.

Other Treatment Methods

While phototherapy is the main treatment, other options are used too:

1. Exchange Transfusion: This is when the baby gets donor blood to lower bilirubin fast. It’s for serious cases where light therapy isn’t enough.
2. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): If the mom and baby don’t match blood type, IVIG can help. It lowers bilirubin levels and might avoid more blood transfusions.
3. Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Fixing health problems that cause jaundice is also important. This includes treating infections or enzyme issues.

Using different treatments helps give each baby the care they need.

Complications of Untreated Jaundice

Jaundice in newborns without treatment can cause serious health problems. A big risk is kernicterus, a rare brain damage from high bilirubin levels. This can affect a child’s development, causing issues with movement, hearing, and thinking.

Another issue is hyperbilirubinemia. High bilirubin levels can harm tissues and organs. This can lead to health problems for life. Here’s a table that shows the risks and effects of jaundice:

Knowing about these risks shows why early treatment is key. It helps prevent serious problems like hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. This keeps a child healthy and helps them develop normally.

How Acibadem Healthcare Group Treats Jaundice

Acibadem Healthcare Group is known for top-notch healthcare, especially for newborns with jaundice. They use the latest facilities and expert care. This means every baby gets the best care and a treatment plan just for them.

Expert Care and Facilities

At Acibadem, skilled doctors and specialists work together to help newborns with jaundice. They have the best tools and phototherapy units for treatment. This helps them give accurate tests and treatments, which makes babies better.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Acibadem focuses on making treatment plans just for each baby. They check each baby carefully to find the right treatment. They look at how bad the jaundice is, the baby’s age, and overall health. This way, every baby gets the care they need.

Preventing Jaundice in Newborns

Parents can help prevent jaundice in newborns with the right guidance and nutrition. Knowing the risks and taking steps to prevent it can help. Here are key ways to prevent jaundice: Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns

Prevention Strategies

• Frequent feeding: Breastfeeding often, 8-12 times a day, keeps babies hydrated and helps get rid of bilirubin.
• Early medical assessment: Seeing a pediatrician soon after birth helps catch jaundice early. This is key to preventing serious problems.
• Monitor newborns: Watch for signs like yellow skin or eyes. If you see these, get medical help fast. Watching closely helps stop jaundice from getting worse. Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns

Here are some important steps to prevent jaundice:

Consulting Your Pediatrician About Jaundice

Seeing yellow skin or eyes on your baby can make parents worried. It’s key to talk to your pediatrician right away. They will ask about your baby’s birth, how they eat, and any signs you’ve seen. Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns

If you see your baby’s skin or eyes turning yellow, or worry about bilirubin levels, call the doctor fast. These signs might mean your baby needs more checks and treatment. The doctor will check your baby, test bilirubin levels, and see if they need light therapy or other help. Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns

Checking on your baby’s health often is very important. It helps watch for jaundice and makes sure your baby is doing well. Going to the doctor often lets you catch and treat health problems early. This gives you peace of mind and keeps your baby healthy. Normal Jaundice Levels in Newborns