What are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice?

The main symptoms of neonatal jaundice include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by drowsiness, difficulty feeding, or weak crying. If these symptoms are found, the baby should be taken to the doctor for evaluation in time.

Neonatal jaundice is common and begins 2-3 days after birth because the body's bilirubin metabolism is not fully mature. It is more likely to occur in premature infants, breastfed babies, and infants with incompatible blood types. Physiological jaundice generally occurs within 1 week after birth. Jaundice is limited to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and the mental state is good, so no special treatment is required. However, if jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth, lasts for a long time, or the range of jaundice extends to the limbs and abdomen, it may be pathological jaundice, such as hemolytic jaundice, infectious jaundice, or cholestasis, which may affect the nervous system and requires immediate medical diagnosis and treatment.

Neonatal jaundice is common and begins 2-3 days after birth because the body's bilirubin metabolism is not fully mature. It is more likely to occur in premature infants, breastfed babies, and infants with incompatible blood types. Physiological jaundice generally occurs within 1 week after birth. Jaundice is limited to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and the mental state is good, so no special treatment is required. However, if jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth, lasts for a long time, or the range of jaundice extends to the limbs and abdomen, it may be pathological jaundice, such as hemolytic jaundice, infectious jaundice, or cholestasis, which may affect the nervous system and requires immediate medical diagnosis and treatment.

When caring for newborns, they should get more sun exposure (avoid direct ultraviolet rays and preferably in the morning and evening) and ensure adequate feeding to promote bilirubin excretion. When the jaundice is mild, blue light irradiation can be used for treatment. If necessary, exchange transfusion therapy or subcutaneous bilirubin combined with medication is required. Parents need to remain vigilant, conduct regular checkups, monitor the development of jaundice, and avoid serious complications that affect the baby's health.