What causes jaundice in newborns?

Jaundice in newborns is mostly related to incomplete bilirubin metabolism, but whether medical treatment is needed depends on the specific circumstances.

Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is mainly caused by excessive bilirubin levels in the body. Neonatal jaundice is commonly divided into physiological and pathological. Physiological jaundice usually appears 2-3 days after the baby is born, reaches its peak 4-5 days later, and gradually subsides within 10-14 days. It is a normal phenomenon. Pathological jaundice may be caused by hemolysis, infection, abnormal liver and gallbladder function, etc., and usually requires more attention.

The core cause of neonatal jaundice is bilirubin metabolism. Because the liver of a newborn is not fully developed, its ability to process bilirubin is weak. In addition, there are more red blood cells in the fetal period, and some red blood cells will be broken down after birth, producing a large amount of indirect bilirubin. If bilirubin cannot be excreted in time, it will cause jaundice. In addition, certain components contained in breast milk can sometimes cause breast milk jaundice, which is usually harmless to the baby, but needs to be distinguished from other pathological causes.

When caring for newborn jaundice, parents can appropriately increase the number of feedings during the day to help the baby excrete bilirubin with excrement. If jaundice lasts too long, or the baby shows abnormal symptoms such as drowsiness, weak crying, and refusal to feed, seek medical help as soon as possible to check for potential risks and ensure the baby's healthy growth.