What are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice usually manifests as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. If the jaundice is severe or lasts too long, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Jaundice is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the body, a substance formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver function of newborns is not yet mature and may not be able to metabolize these substances quickly, causing jaundice. In most cases, this is a physiological phenomenon, but in some special cases it can also be a sign of disease.

Mild jaundice usually starts from the baby's face and gradually spreads to the chest, abdomen and even limbs. It usually appears on the second or third day after birth and disappears on its own within about two weeks. However, if the color of jaundice becomes significantly darker, or the baby becomes drowsy, has difficulty feeding, or has mental abnormalities, you need to be particularly vigilant. If severe jaundice is not treated in time, it may cause bilirubin encephalopathy and affect brain development.

For physiological jaundice, parents can judge by observing the baby's skin color and intake and excretion. If the jaundice is found to be too severe or lasts for more than two weeks, it is recommended to take the baby to the hospital for a blood test to determine the bilirubin level. On weekdays, you should also pay attention to increasing the baby's feeding frequency to promote metabolism and excretion, and help the jaundice subside as soon as possible.