Some pediatricians are reluctant to recommend this due to the harmful effects of sun rays on sensitive infant skin; however, all over the world this is still the preferred treatment as long as parents are mindful of the amount and type of exposure.
Some pediatricians are reluctant to recommend this due to the harmful effects of sun rays on sensitive infant skin; however, all over the world this is still the preferred treatment as long as parents are mindful of the amount and type of exposure.
A breastfed baby may be upped from eight to ten feedings per day. Supplementation may also be suggested. [7] X Research source The newborn should be kept hydrated to help excrete bilirubin from their body. A formula supplement to breastfeeding may be necessary to keep your newborn hydrated. Excess loss of water can occur through the newborn’s skin. Consider working with a lactation professional to ensure the baby is feeding properly. A lactation professional can also help with supplementation. [8] X Research source
The baby will be weighed each day and the levels of bilirubin in your newborn’s blood will be checked often. Your baby will wear a diaper and protective eye patches during treatment. The light isn’t an ultraviolet light. A protective shield filters out ultraviolet light that may be emitted. Light therapy may be supplemented with the use of a light-emitting mattress or pad. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If standard phototherapy doesn’t work, the doctor might suggest the baby be placed on a fiber optic blanket; an additional bank of lights might be added. [11] X Research source Physiological jaundice (the most common form) almost never requires treatment beyond phototherapy.
Your baby’s condition will be closely monitored throughout the transfusion process. An exchange transfusion can take several hours. When the transfusion is completed, your baby’s blood will be tested for bilirubin. If the levels haven’t dropped enough then the baby will undergo another transfusion. An intravenous transfusion of an immunoglobulin might help to prevent the necessity of a blood transfusion. It introduces a blood protein to the infant that that can reduce levels of antibodies. An intravenous transfusion of an immunoglobulin could decrease jaundice and eliminate the need for an exchange blood transfusion. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
A deeper yellowing of the skin is a sign that jaundice may be getting worse. Watch for signs that the yellow tint is spreading to other parts of the baby’s body like the abdomen, arms or legs. If your baby is listless, it could be a sign that the jaundice is becoming more severe. If your newborn is not feeding well and unable to gain weight it might mean the jaundice is worsening. High-pitched cries from your baby are a sign that the jaundice is getting worse. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If your baby has fair skin, try the following: Press a finger against your baby’s skin. This will push the blood out of the skin for a moment. The infant’s skin should turn white. If the skin remains yellow, it’s jaundiced. [19] X Research source Perhaps the best place to notice mild jaundice is by gently pressing the tip of your infant’s nose which is has many blood vessels and where jaundice is easily seen Perform this test in a well-lit room so that you can identify skin color changes with ease. If your baby has darker skin, check for yellowness in the whites of the eyes, nails, palms or gums. [20] X Research source Contact your doctor if your baby doesn’t pass the skin test.
A skin test might also be conducted, using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer to measure the reflection of light shone through the infant’s skin. The bilirubinometer is less invasive than drawing blood from the newborn. [22] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MDBoard Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview. 20 July 2021. It’s possible that your doctor orders additional blood or urine tests if underlying problems are suspected. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source To determine that treatment is needed, the doctor will look at how well your baby is feeding to assess how your baby is affected by the jaundice. Other factors like whether the birth was premature, whether bruising occurred at birth, and your baby’s age might affect the treatment plan. If your baby has older siblings who have had severe jaundice, this will also factor into the treatment plan. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Uncontrolled or involuntary movements are evidence of Kernicterus. Loss of hearing can be an indication of brain damage. A frozen upward gaze can be a sign of brain damage.
Develop a fever or vomit Arch her back or neck Be listless and difficult to wake Feed poorly
ABO as well as RH incompatibility can lead to jaundice and can be detected in an early blood test. Blood type incompatibilities can be prevented with an RH-immune globulin administered at twenty-eight weeks in the pregnancy. [26] X Research source
Eight to twelve feedings daily will help in reducing the risk of an onset of significant jaundice. [27] X Research source
Refrain from smoking cigarettes—they increase the chances of preterm birth. Secondhand smoke also increases the likelihood of preterm birth. Drug use contributes to preterm birth. Alcohol consumption can also contribute to the likelihood of preterm birth. [30] X Research source
