The main symptoms of neonatal jaundice

The main symptoms of neonatal jaundice are yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which usually appear 2-3 days after birth. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by drowsiness, loss of appetite, and darker urine. In terms of treatment, mild jaundice can be treated by increasing the frequency of feeding to promote bilirubin excretion. Moderate or above jaundice requires phototherapy or drug treatment, and severe cases require blood transfusion. The occurrence of jaundice is related to the immaturity of neonatal liver function and abnormal bilirubin metabolism. Premature infants and breastfed infants are at higher risk.

1. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes is the most obvious symptom of neonatal jaundice, which usually begins to appear 2-3 days after birth, then gradually worsens and reaches a peak in about a week. Observation should be carried out under natural light to avoid misjudgment. The severity of jaundice can be assessed by the extent of skin yellowing and serum bilirubin levels. Mild jaundice only affects the face and upper body, while severe jaundice can spread to the limbs and palms and soles.

2. Lethargy and loss of appetite are signs of worsening jaundice, indicating that bilirubin levels are high and may affect the nervous system. Newborns should seek medical attention in a timely manner when they have these symptoms, monitor bilirubin levels, and intervene if necessary. Jaundice may last longer in breastfed babies, but usually no special treatment is required, just ensure adequate feeding.

3. Darker urine color is another important manifestation of jaundice, indicating that bilirubin is excreted through urine. Dark yellow or brown urine should be taken seriously, especially when accompanied by other symptoms. Breastfeeding jaundice usually does not require stopping breastfeeding, but the baby's condition needs to be closely observed. If jaundice persists for more than two weeks, other pathological factors need to be ruled out.

4. The treatment of jaundice varies depending on the severity. Mild jaundice can be treated by increasing the frequency of feeding to promote the excretion of bilirubin through feces, and more sun exposure can help decompose bilirubin. Moderate jaundice requires blue light phototherapy, which converts bilirubin into easily excreted substances through light of a specific wavelength. Severe jaundice requires exchange transfusion therapy to quickly reduce bilirubin levels and avoid the occurrence of kernicterus.

5. The key to preventing neonatal jaundice is early detection and intervention. Pregnant women should have regular checkups during pregnancy to avoid factors that may affect the health of the fetus, such as infection and anemia. After birth, newborns need to be closely monitored for skin color changes, especially premature and low-birth-weight babies, and bilirubin monitoring should be performed in a timely manner. Breastfed babies have a higher risk of jaundice, but usually there is no need to stop breastfeeding, just ensure adequate feeding.

Neonatal jaundice is a common physiological phenomenon. In most cases, there is no need to worry too much, but it is necessary to closely observe changes in symptoms and seek medical intervention in time to avoid the development of pathological jaundice and ensure the healthy growth of the baby.