Jaundice in Newborns: What It Means & What to Do Next

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Noticing a yellow tint to your little one’s skin or eyes? It’s natural to feel concerned but take a breath: newborn jaundice is very common and often harmless. In many cases, it’s simply your baby’s body adjusting after birth.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What is jaundice? It’s a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a normal substance made when red blood cells break down.

• How common is jaundice in newborns? Up to 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm babies develop some form of jaundice in their first week.

• When does it show up? Usually between 2 to 4 days after birth.

• Is it serious? Most cases resolve on their own, but high bilirubin in newborns can lead to complications if not treated.

• What should I look for? Common symptoms of jaundice in newborns include yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially if the condition worsens or spreads.

• What’s the next step? If you notice signs, check in with your baby’s healthcare provider. They’ll guide you through diagnosis and the next steps if needed.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about jaundice in babies—from the different types (like physiological jaundice, breast milk jaundice, and breastfeeding jaundice) to causes, treatments, and when to seek help.

What Is Jaundice?

Types of Newborn Jaundice

There are several types of jaundice that newborn babies may experience. Some are common and resolve on their own, while others may be associated with feeding or medical issues. Here's what to know:

Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborns

These neonatal jaundice symptoms are often mild and resolve on their own. However, it’s essential to monitor their progress.

Signs That Jaundice May Be Getting Worse

These may be signs of very high bilirubin in newborns, which in rare cases may lead to a serious complication called kernicterus, a type of brain damage caused by dangerously high bilirubin levels.

If you’re unsure, trust your instincts. It’s always okay to reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider, especially if the jaundice seems to be getting worse or your baby’s behavior suddenly changes.

What Causes Jaundice in Newborns and Older Babies?

There are several reasons your newborn with jaundice may have elevated bilirubin levels, and certain factors may increase the likelihood of this condition. Here are some possible causes of jaundice in babies:

1. You’re breastfeeding your baby, and they’re not nursing about 8 to 12 times per day. Inadequate intake in the early days of life can lead to breastfeeding jaundice, a common and typically manageable form of jaundice. (Learn how you might increase your breast milk supply.) 

2. Your baby was born prematurely. Preterm babies may not yet have a fully developed liver, which can make it harder for them to remove bilirubin efficiently from the bloodstream.

3. You and your baby have what’s called ABO incompatibility. This happens when your blood type and your baby’s blood type are different in a way that triggers your baby’s immune system to break down red blood cells more quickly, increasing bilirubin.

4. Your baby was delivered via vacuum extraction. The bruising that may happen on your baby’s head during the procedure could lead to a higher concentration of bilirubin, which leads to jaundice. Your healthcare provider may opt for a vacuum extraction during a vaginal delivery if they decide you need assistance delivering your baby. Injuries that may happen during a vacuum extraction generally have no lasting effects on your baby.  

5. Your baby has certain genetic conditions that cause red blood cells to break down more easily than usual. This increases the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Your baby’s healthcare provider can help determine if testing for genetic issues is necessary. 

6. Your baby develops sepsis, which is a serious reaction to infection that can impact the liver and red blood cells.

7. Your baby has internal bleeding, which can increase the breakdown of red blood cells and lead to high bilirubin in infants.

8. You had cytomegalovirus (CMV). This common virus, which often has no symptoms, can sometimes affect a baby’s liver and blood cell function if passed during pregnancy. If you’re a healthcare worker or work with young children, it’s worth discussing CMV testing with your healthcare provider.

9. Rh incompatibility. If your Rh factor is negative and your baby’s is positive, your immune system may react by breaking down your baby’s red blood cells, which raises bilirubin levels in newborns. Your Rh factor, which is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells, is negative, and your baby’s is positive. 

10. Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn: If your blood type is O and your baby’s is A or B, your antibodies (that crossed over to your baby through the placenta), will attack your baby’s red blood cells which causes an increase in bilirubin.  This is usually less severe than Rh incompatibility.

11. You had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. Your provider will offer screening tests for this form of diabetes during your pregnancy.  

12. Your baby may have a liver disorder such as biliary atresia.

Diagnosis

Your baby’s healthcare provider will begin checking for signs of jaundice while you're still in the hospital. Since bilirubin levels in infants typically peak between three and five days after birth, it's important to have your baby rechecked during that time if they’ve already gone home. 

To start, your provider may estimate your newborn’s bilirubin level by gently placing a probe on your baby’s forehead. This test measures the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level through the skin. If this reading is high, a follow-up blood test—called total serum bilirubin (TSB)—is done by pricking your baby’s heel to collect a small sample.

Newborn Baby Jaundice Level Chart

The American Academy of Pediatrics uses a specific newborn baby jaundice level chart to help determine whether treatment is needed. The chart compares your baby’s TSB level to their age in hours.

This bilirubin levels chart is used to evaluate the risk and guide the next steps. A high bilirubin level in newborns doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem, but it does signal the need for monitoring or possible treatment. Your newborn’s healthcare provider will interpret the results based on their gestational age, how many days old they are, health status, and whether any risk factors are present (such as Rh incompatibility).

Jaundice Treatment and Recovery

If your baby’s healthcare provider determines that treatment is needed, there are several safe and effective newborn jaundice treatments available. The approach depends on your baby’s bilirubin levels, age, and overall health.

How Long Does Jaundice Last?

You may be wondering, “How long does jaundice last in newborns?” The answer depends on what’s causing it and whether your little one is receiving treatment. Your baby’s healthcare provider can provide you with the most accurate timeline based on their bilirubin levels and overall health.

In most cases of physiological jaundice, the common kind of jaundice goes away within two to three weeks, especially if your baby is breastfeeding. If your baby is formula-fed, it may clear up sooner, typically by the time your baby is around 2 weeks old.

If your little one still looks yellow after three weeks, it’s a good idea to follow up with their healthcare provider. They may want to check for other underlying causes or consider additional care. However, in some cases, breast milk jaundice can last a couple of months.

Potential Complications Associated With Jaundice