2. NEONATAL JAUNDICE USUALLY RESOLVES BY 2 TO 3 WEEKS
Jaundice mountains around the second to five day after delivery for most children, said Dr Ngeow. The problem is generally temporary and addresses when the bilirubin levels fall to healthy levels by around one to two weeks in full-term babies, or up to three weeks for early babies.
“If the hepatitis endures beyond these time images, consult a doctor as it may show underlying conditions such as heart problems, infections or hereditary or metabolic disorders, ” Dr Ngeow advised.
3. SEVERE JAUNDICE CAN CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE
Most jaundice is later removed through the baby’s chairs after being processed by the heart. In some cases however, very little hemoglobin you enter the brain, which is why it is essential for children to be assessed and monitored, said Dr Tan.
“Babies with quick rise in amount of hemoglobin over a short period of time are at risk of brain injury from kernicterus, or excessive reserves of hemoglobin in the head, ” he said. This can result in long-term problems such as academic and motor disabilities, developmental delays or even death.
4. DON’T Pass FOLLOW-UP Center VISITS
Routine examinations are vital to monitor a newborn’s jaundice amounts during the first two to three weeks of life. Usually, this involves regular doctor visits.
Now, monitoring involves the use of a light-emitting portable device to measure the skin’s color or a foot prick for a blood sample.
Parents should agree to the medical team’s advice for follow-up visits, instead of relying on physical assessment of their baby’s body color 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.