Why Do Babies Develop Physiological Jaundice and How to Respond
Physiological jaundice is a common occurrence in newborns, affecting about 60% of full-term infants and 80% of preterm infants. It typically appears 2-3 days after birth and resolves naturally within 1-2 weeks. As new parents, seeing your baby's skin or eyes turn yellow may cause anxiety, but rest assured, in most cases, this is a normal transitional process. Understanding its causes and coping methods can help you accompany your baby's growth with greater ease.
Possible Causes
- Immature liver function: The newborn's liver is still developing and cannot efficiently process bilirubin (a substance produced when red blood cells break down).
- Increased red blood cell breakdown: Excess red blood cells from the fetal period break down rapidly after birth, leading to a temporary rise in bilirubin levels.
- Reabsorption mechanism in the intestines: An incomplete gut microbiome causes bilirubin to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream instead of being excreted through stool.
Home Care Recommendations
- Ensure adequate feeding: Frequent breastfeeding or bottle-feeding (usually recommended 8-12 times per day) promotes bowel movements to help excrete bilirubin.
- Gentle sunlight exposure: Under medical guidance, expose your baby briefly to indirect sunlight (e.g., through a window), avoiding direct strong light.
- Monitor changes closely: Regularly check the degree of jaundice on your baby's skin using a jaundice card or professional monitoring device.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- ⚠️ Jaundice appears within 24 hours after birth
- ⚠️ Jaundice persists for more than two weeks without subsiding
- ⚠️ The baby shows symptoms such as lethargy, refusal to feed, fever, or vomiting. If any of these occur, seek immediate medical care.
Conclusion
Physiological jaundice is usually a natural phase of a baby's adaptation to the new environment and resolves on its own in most cases. Maintain a positive attitude and adhere to scientific feeding practices—you are laying a solid foundation for your baby's health. Remember, worries are inevitable on the parenting journey, but you are not alone. Consult professional medical personnel promptly to jointly safeguard your baby's growth journey.
The information provided in this article is for reference only and cannot substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment advice. If your child experiences any health issues or the warning signs mentioned above, consult a qualified medical professional immediately.