Jaundice is a condition in newborns that is very common. We hear about it quite often and if you watch all the baby shows on television like I did when I was pregnant, you have seen what it looks like and a generalization of how it’s treated. Jaundice is caused when there is an excess amount of bilirubin in the newborn’s blood. Normally, the bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted as bile in the intestine. When there is too much for the liver to handle, it results in the yellowing of the skin and eyes. While treatment can be painless and quick, if not taken care of or in serious cases, complications such as deafness, cerebral palsy and other forms of brain damage can occur.

There are six types of jaundice including physiological (normal) jaundice, jaundice of prematurity, breastfeeding jaundice, breast milk jaundice and blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO problems). Normal jaundice is the most common occurring form and happens due to the baby’s liver not being developed enough to process all the bilirubin. Generally, this type of jaundice appears 2 to 4 days after birth and clears up in a about 1 to 2 weeks. To learn more about the other types of jaundice click the links above.

Now that many families are released from the hospital within 24 to 48 hours after giving birth, it is very important that your newborn is seen within 2 days of being released from the hospital for a check-up. Since jaundice normally doesn’t appear until 2 to 4 days after birth, your pediatrician will be able to run tests and provide treatment right away if there is a problem. Testing for jaundice can be done one of two ways. Your pediatrician may test by taking a blood sample but most practices are now investing in a much less painful procedure. They now have a light meter that looks like an ear thermometer that they touch the skin with to get a reading. If they get a high reading with the light meter, then they will follow up with a blood sample.

Treatment for jaundice varies by the type and severity. Keep a close eye on your little one once you are home. There are warning signs to look for that would indicate that your newborn needs to be seen right away. If your baby is experiencing any of the following take them in immediately:

• Jaundice during the first 24 hours of life


• Jaundice is spreading or getting more intense


• A fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit rectally


• If your baby starts to look and act sick