How long does it take for neonatal jaundice to completely subside?

Neonatal jaundice is a concern for many new parents. Jaundice usually occurs soon after a newborn is born. This is because the liver function of the newborn is not fully developed and cannot effectively metabolize and excrete bilirubin, which causes bilirubin to accumulate in the body, making the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow.

The time it takes for neonatal jaundice to subside varies from individual to individual. In most cases, physiological jaundice in full-term infants reaches its peak in about two weeks after birth, then gradually subsides, and generally disappears completely in about one month. However, jaundice in premature infants may last a little longer due to their relatively immature liver function, but it usually disappears completely within one to two months after birth.

During the observation of jaundice, parents need to pay close attention to the changes of jaundice. If jaundice appears too early, is too severe, or lasts for an abnormally long time, it may indicate the possibility of pathological jaundice, such as hemolytic disease, infection, or biliary atresia. In these cases, it is necessary to seek medical attention in time so that professional doctors can diagnose and treat.

In addition to observing the disappearance of jaundice, parents can also help their baby speed up the disappearance of jaundice through proper feeding and daily care. Ensuring that the baby gets enough food will help increase the frequency of bowel movements, thereby reducing the reabsorption of bilirubin. At the same time, proper sunlight exposure can also help the baby metabolize bilirubin on its own, but care should be taken to avoid strong sunlight at noon to avoid sunburn.

Neonatal jaundice is a common physiological phenomenon, and in most cases it will disappear naturally in about a month. Parents should keep an eye on the changes in jaundice during this period, and seek medical attention in time if there are any abnormalities. Proper feeding and daily care can help babies get through this stage faster and grow healthily.