JAUNDICED NEWBORN

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

Definition

  • The skin and whites of the eyes are yellow.

Types of Jaundice

Physiological jaundice (50% of newborns)  

  • Onset 2 to 3 days of age    
  • Peaks day 4 to 5, then improves  
  • Disappears 1 to 2 weeks of age  

Rh and ABO blood group incompatibility

  • Onset during first 24 hours of life  
  • Can reach harmful levels

Breastfeeding jaundice
(5 to 10% of newborns)

  • Due to inadequate intake of breastmilk
  • Pattern similar to physiological type

Breast-milk jaundice (1% of newborns)

  • Due to substance in breastmilk which
    blocks destruction of bilirubin
  • Onset 4 to 7 days of age
  • Lasts 3 to 10 weeks
  • Not harmful

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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