Why do Newborns Get Jaundice
Many infants, especially those born prematurely, develop jaundice. It happens when bilirubin—a substance released when your red blood cells break down—accumulates in the bloodstream. Infants are prone to jaundice, as their livers are not mature enough to remove the excess bilirubin from the blood.
The good news? Jaundice is often harmless and disappears on its own. However, it’s important to watch for the warning signs and see a pediatrician in Navi Mumbai if you notice unusual symptoms.
What Causes Jaundice in Babies?
Let’s understand the most common causes of jaundice in newborns.
1. Inadequate Feeding
Breastfed or formula-fed babies can both develop jaundice in the early weeks of birth due to inadequate feeding. If your baby doesn’t get enough milk, they may not defecate regularly, leading to bilirubin buildup in the blood.
You may need to talk to a lactation consultant or visit a pediatrician to discuss ways to improve feeding. Medical intervention, such as phototherapy, is recommended when bilirubin levels are 15-20 mg/dL or higher.
2. Breast Milk Jaundice
A chemical in the mother’s breastmilk can also cause jaundice in infants. This happens when the substances released in the breastmilk interfere with the bilirubin breakdown process. It usually starts a week after birth and may last up to 2-3 weeks or sometimes longer. Although breastmilk jaundice is harmless, it’s still best to keep in touch with a pediatrician and monitor bilirubin levels.
3. Babies have More Red Blood Cells
Babies have more red blood cells when they are in the uterus. These are like little oxygen tanks that compensate for the low oxygen levels in the womb. When they are born, they start breathing and no longer need such high levels of red blood cells.
As a result, these cells start breaking down rapidly, releasing a considerable amount of bilirubin. This, combined with irregular bowel movements, leads to excessive bilirubin in the baby’s blood, increasing their risk of jaundice.
4. Blood Group Incompatibility
When the baby’s and mother’s blood groups mismatch, the jaundice risk in the baby increases. When a baby is in the uterus, their blood can sometimes get mixed with that of its mother. If their blood groups are incompatible, the mother’s immune system might perceive it as a foreign object and create antibodies against it. These antibodies can cross the placenta and lead to the rapid destruction of the baby’s red blood cells, leading to more bilirubin production and a higher risk of jaundice.
Is Jaundice Serious?
Jaundice, in many babies, is harmless and often resolves within a few days without requiring any medical care. However, it’s always important to watch for extremely high bilirubin levels or uncommon symptoms. Here’s what may warrant prompt medical attention:
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Excessive sleeping
- Yellowing in the legs and feet
Babies who develop jaundice immediately after birth may require admission to the NICU in Navi Mumbai, as it may indicate blood group incompatibility, infection, or rapid red blood cell destruction. Extremely high bilirubin can affect the baby’s brain, which is why doctors prefer regular monitoring to prevent complications.