Ukiyo Confinement Centre
16th August 2023
Ukiyo Confinement Centre
16th August 2023
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is the yellowish discolorations of the skin caused by an increase of bilirubin (a pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells and processed in the liver before being passed out into the stools) in the blood. It is very common and occurs in 50% of babies in the first week of life.
What Causes Neonatal Jaundice?
Physiological Jaundice
Most common cause of neonatal jaundice, and is harmless to your baby
- Onset of physiological jaundice is after the first 48 hours and will subside by the end of the first week of life.
- Caused by the normal breakdown of red blood cells and the immaturity of the liver.
- Late preterm babies of between 34-36 weeks are at higher risk of developing jaundice if they do not receive early treatment.
Pathological Jaundice
Jaundice with onset in the first day of life is usually pathological
Causes includes:
- Incompatibility between mother’s and baby’s blood group (in mothers with Rhesus negative or Blood Group O blood).
- Babies with G6PD (glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency in their red cells resulting in their instability on exposure to certain agents. This occurs in less than 5% of babies. All newborns are screened for G6PD deficiency at birth.
- Infection in the newborn which makes the baby unwell and needs in-hospital treatment.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is the yellowish discolorations of the skin caused by an increase of bilirubin (a pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells and processed in the liver before being passed out into the stools) in the blood. It is very common and occurs in 50% of babies in the first week of life.
What Causes Neonatal Jaundice?
Physiological Jaundice
Most common cause of neonatal jaundice, and is harmless to your baby
- Onset of physiological jaundice is after the first 48 hours and will subside by the end of the first week of life.
- Caused by the normal breakdown of red blood cells and the immaturity of the liver.
- Late preterm babies of between 34-36 weeks are at higher risk of developing jaundice if they do not receive early treatment.
Pathological Jaundice
Jaundice with onset in the first day of life is usually pathological
Causes includes:
- Incompatibility between mother’s and baby’s blood group (in mothers with Rhesus negative or Blood Group O blood).
- Babies with G6PD (glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency in their red cells resulting in their instability on exposure to certain agents. This occurs in less than 5% of babies. All newborns are screened for G6PD deficiency at birth.
- Infection in the newborn which makes the baby unwell and needs in-hospital treatment.
What Causes Jaundice in Babies to be Prolonged
Jaundice is considered prolonged if persists for longer than 14 days in a term baby and 21 days in a preterm baby. Common causes are:
What Causes Jaundice in Babies to be Prolonged
Jaundice is considered prolonged if persists for longer than 14 days in a term baby and 21 days in a preterm baby. Common causes are:
Risk factors for Severe Neonatal Jaundice
Baby Born Premature
Low Birth Weight
Early-Onset Jaundice
Maternal Blood Group O/Rh-Negative
G6PD Deficiency
Birth Injuries and Bruises
Babies of Diabetic Mothers
Family History of Severe Neonatal Jaundice
Risk factors for Severe Neonatal Jaundice
Baby Born Premature
Low Birth Weight
Early-Onset Jaundice
Maternal Blood Group O/Rh-Negative
G6PD Deficiency
Birth Injuries and Bruises
Babies of Diabetic Mothers
Family History of Severe Neonatal Jaundice
Treatment Options
To reduce bilirubin levels and prevent brain toxicity, two main treatment approaches are used:
Phototherapy
Exposing the baby's skin to special lights helps break down bilirubin, making it easier for the body to eliminate.
Exchange Transfusion
This involves replacing a portion of the baby's blood with donor blood to lower bilirubin levels significantly.
Treatment Options
To reduce bilirubin levels and prevent brain toxicity, two main treatment approaches are used:
Phototherapy
Exposing the baby's skin to special lights helps break down bilirubin, making it easier for the body to eliminate.
Exchange Transfusion
This involves replacing a portion of the baby's blood with donor blood to lower bilirubin levels significantly.
If you are interested in learning more about baby care or confinement centre, we invite you to reach out to us directly. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive information, guidance, and support to help you navigate the world of parenting and make informed decisions.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp at +601128698025, and we will be delighted to assist you further. We understand the importance of providing the best care for your little one and are here to offer the knowledge and resources you need on this beautiful journey of parenthood.
