Seeing a yellow tinge on your baby's skin and sclera (eyes) can be alarming for new parents. While neonatal jaundice is extremely common, monitoring total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels is essential to prevent acute bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus).
Why Do Newborns Develop Jaundice?
A newborn's liver is still immature and cannot break down bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown) quickly enough. In most babies, this 'physiological jaundice' peaks around days 3 to 5 and gradually subsides.
When Does Jaundice Need Treatment?
Treatment is determined using gestational age nomograms. If bilirubin levels cross the safe threshold, intensive double or triple surface phototherapy using specific blue wavelength LED lights (460-490 nm) is initiated in our NICU.
Frequent Breastfeeding Accelerates Bilirubin Clearance
Bilirubin is excreted primarily through bowel movements. Feeding your baby 8 to 12 times a day stimulates stooling and helps clear excess pigment naturally.
Doctor's Clinical Insight: "Timely non-invasive transcutaneous bilirubin screening before hospital discharge ensures we detect rising bilirubin levels before they pose any neurological risk." — Dr. D Bhanu Prakash, MD, DM
Need Immediate Pediatric Care or Expert Consultation?
Safe Kids Hospitals at Pillar No. 110, Attapur, Hyderabad provides 24/7 Pediatric Emergency, Level 4 NICU, Pediatric ICU, and multi-specialty child healthcare.
Emergency 24x7 Helpline: +91 94944 00108 | Walk-in OPD open 7 days a week.
