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NEWBORN JAUNDICE ALERT
A common but a risky condition in healthy newborns, jaundice refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the natural breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice in babies usually occurs when a baby's bilirubin production is high or the systems are not efficient at removing it from the bloodstream. Most newborns experience jaundice, however parents are often unaware that it can cause brain damage if it is not tested and treated in a timely manner.
To prevent the risk of brain damage from newborn jaundice the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns be assessed prior to discharge from the hospital.
Feel free to use the Newborn Jaundice Alert chart in your institution. Click on this link to print a PDF.
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When and where to seek help! |
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Risk factors for severe jaundice are:
- A test indicating an elevated bilirubin level.
- Any jaundice before discharge and if it occurs before age 24 hours
- Mother's blood type O and baby's blood type A or B or AB
- Breastfeeding
- Bruising from vacuum or forceps delivery or cephalohematoma
- Premature birth (less than 38 weeks)
- Brother or sister that had newborn jaundice
- Male gender
- Certain family ethnic backgrounds (Asian, Hispanic, Mediterranean)
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Call your healthcare provider for a SAME DAY appointment: if your baby shows any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive sleepiness - won't wake up to eat
- Refusing to eat, possibly spitting up
- Not having enough wet diapers or bowl movements
- Excessive wakefulness - won't sleep
- Difficulty staying latched on if breast feeding
Seek emergency help for any signs of:
- Arching of the back or neck
- High pitched or inconsolable crying
- Irritability
- Strange eye movements
- Stiffness of the body
- Fever greater than 100°F
If your doctor is unavailable or dismissive of your concerns: seek urgent help at the birthing hospital or nearest children's hospital. Be sure to have the following information:
- Baby's date and time of birth
- Weight and gestational age
- Results of bilirubin tests
- Number of wet diapers
- How your baby is feeding
- Changes in your baby's behavior.
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