2. NEONATAL JAUNDICE USUALLY RESOLVES BY 2 TO 3 WEEKS
Jaundice peaks around the third to fifth day after birth for most babies, said Dr Ngeow. The condition is usually transient and resolves when the bilirubin levels drop to safe levels by around one to two weeks in full-term babies, or up to three weeks for premature babies.
“If the jaundice persists beyond these time frames, consult a doctor as it may indicate underlying conditions such as liver problems, infections or genetic or metabolic disorders,” Dr Ngeow advised.
3. SEVERE JAUNDICE CAN CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE
Most bilirubin is eventually removed through the baby’s stools after being processed by the liver. In some cases however, too much bilirubin can enter the brain, which is why it is important for babies to be assessed and monitored, said Dr Tan.
“Babies with rapid rise in level of bilirubin over a short period of time are at risk of brain damage from kernicterus, or excessive deposits of bilirubin in the brain,” he said. This can result in long-term complications such as intellectual and motor disabilities, developmental delays or even death.
4. DON’T SKIP FOLLOW-UP CLINIC VISITS
Routine screenings are essential to monitor a newborn’s bilirubin levels during the first two to three weeks of life. Typically, this involves frequent clinic visits.
Currently, screening involves the use of a light-emitting handheld gadget to measure the skin’s yellowness or a heel prick for a blood sample.
Parents should adhere to the healthcare team’s recommendation for follow-up visits, instead of relying on visual estimation of their baby’s skin colour changes. Studies show that this method can be unreliable with inconsistent results, depending on who performs it, Dr Ngeow said.
That said, if you notice dark urine and pale stools, seek medical attention immediately as these are red flags for a more serious form of jaundice known as conjugated jaundice, he added.
5. SUNBATHING IS NO LONGER RECOMMENDED
Exposing jaundiced babies to indirect sun was once a common practice, but this is no longer recommended as it can be harmful. Dr Ngeow explained that while sunlight can help reduce bilirubin levels, it carries risks; your baby can get sunburnt, dehydrated and overheat.
