Jaundice

Almost all babies turn somewhat yellow a few days after birth. This is also known as jaundice. Icterus is more common in babies born before 38 weeks of gestation. Babies who have a bruise or bruising after birth also occasionally become slightly yellower. Bruising can occur if a vacuum pump is used during delivery.

CAUSE

In the womb, your baby receives oxygen through the placenta (placenta). The oxygen is carried in the blood by hemoglobin in the red blood cells. When the baby is born, it receives oxygen from the lungs for the first time. This requires that the hemoglobin changes after birth. The baby will change its fetal blood cells to 'normal' blood cells in order to be able to transport oxygen from the lungs through the blood.

BILIRUBIN

During this process waste products are released, which must be cleared by the liver. This waste is called bilirubin. The liver of a newborn baby is still immature and can't clear all that bilirubin right away. The bilirubin is stored in the skin and mucous membranes, which can cause the baby to see somewhat yellow. A yellow discoloration can also occur in the whites of the eyes and in the mouth. This is a normal process. The jaundice usually disappears on its own after a few days. Babies get rid of the excess waste mainly through the faeces.

HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA

If the baby looks very yellow and eats poorly and is drowsy or sick, there may be too much bilirubin in your baby's body. The midwife or doctor can then have the bilirubin level in the blood tested. This is done by taking a small amount of blood from your baby's heel. If the amount of bilirubin is too high, this can be resolved by placing the baby under a phototherapy lamp or mat. This ultraviolet light ensures that the unprocessed stored bilirubin is processed in the skin. This makes it easier for the bilirubin to leave the body through the stool or urine. This therapy is given in the incubator ward of the hospital. The treatment lasts until the bilirubin level in the blood has fallen sufficiently.

BREASTFEEDING

In breastfed babies, you sometimes see that the jaundice lasts a little longer. What causes this is unknown. Usually this is not dangerous, and it is not necessary to treat it. If you are unsure about the color of your baby, always check with your midwife.