The birth of a child is a joyous event in anyone’s life. However, it can also bring about concerns for the health and well-being of the newborn. Jaundice, a condition characterised by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is an issue that can affect many babies.
While it can be alarming for parents, it is important to understand that jaundice is a relatively common occurrence in infants and is often temporary. The causes behind jaundice in a newborn child are many, but most cases of jaundice in the very young respond well to treatments.
When red blood cells break down, a yellow pigment called bilirubin is produced. When there is a buildup of this pigment, jaundice occurs. In most cases, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it from the body. However, in newborns, this process may not be fully developed, leading to jaundice. But what are the main causes of this condition in babies?
The medical term for jaundice in babies is neonatal jaundice. However, physiological jaundice is the most common type of jaundice in newborns and typically appears within the first few days of life.
It occurs as a result of the infant’s immature liver. During pregnancy, a baby’s liver does not need to process bilirubin, as the mother’s liver takes care of this. However, once the baby is born, the liver must adapt to this new task, and it may take a few days for the process to become efficient. Infants born prematurely are at higher risk of developing this type of jaundice.
This brief lag in bilirubin processing can lead to jaundice. Fortunately, physiological jaundice usually resolves on its own within a week or two as the baby’s liver matures.
Breastfeeding jaundice can occur when a newborn is not getting enough breast milk, which can lead to dehydration. Inadequate hydration reduces the flow of bilirubin through the liver and into the intestines for elimination. This results in higher bilirubin levels in the bloodstream, leading to jaundice.
To prevent this condition from developing, new mothers should establish a proper breastfeeding routine and ensure the baby is adequately nourished.
Breast milk jaundice is different from breastfeeding jaundice and typically appears after the first week of life. Some babies may develop jaundice due to certain substances in breast milk that inhibit the excretion of bilirubin.
Though this type of jaundice is less common, it tends to persist for several weeks. The good news is that it is usually harmless and resolves on its own. In rare cases, healthcare providers may recommend temporarily discontinuing breastfeeding to rule out any underlying issues, but this is rarely necessary.
Another cause of jaundice in newborns is blood type incompatibility between the mother and baby, known as haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). This occurs when a mother with Rh-negative blood type (e.g., O-, A-, B-) has a baby with Rh-positive blood type (e.g., O+, A+, B+).
If the mother’s immune system produces antibodies against the baby’s Rh-positive blood cells, it can lead to the destruction of the baby’s red blood cells, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels and jaundice. HDN can be a serious condition and may require medical intervention, including phototherapy or blood transfusions.
In some cases, jaundice in a newborn may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. These conditions can include infections, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, or genetic conditions that affect bilirubin processing.
It’s crucial for healthcare providers to thoroughly evaluate and diagnose the underlying cause of jaundice in these situations to ensure appropriate treatment and management.
Some examples of factors that can lead to jaundice in newborns from underlying health conditions that can only be treated once diagnosed include an underactive thyroid and urinary tract infections.