Newborn jaundice, how long does it fade?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on October 27, 2024
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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period. It can be a normal physiological phenomenon, or it may be an external manifestation of certain diseases. Neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice does not require intervention, and the baby's general condition is still acceptable. Typically, physiological jaundice in full-term infants appears between two to three days after birth, peaks at four to five days, and subsides around ten days, generally not lasting more than two weeks. In preterm infants, it may last slightly longer, but generally, jaundice does not exceed four weeks. If the progression of jaundice is rapid, severe, or appears early, pathological jaundice might be considered. Pathological jaundice may be due to certain pathological factors causing abnormal jaundice. Depending on the cause of the disease and whether there is timely intervention and treatment for jaundice, the resolution time may also vary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Will neonatal jaundice recur?

Neonatal jaundice is a common symptom during the newborn period. It can be a symptom of normal growth and development or an indication of certain diseases. Jaundice is divided into physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice generally appears two to three days after birth, reaches its peak around four to five days, and subsides around ten days. Generally, the duration of jaundice in babies does not exceed two weeks, and the situation is usually manageable. Once physiological jaundice has subsided, it does not recur. If jaundice reappears after it has completely resolved, it is necessary to be cautious as it may indicate pathological jaundice. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's condition. If it is confirmed that the pathological jaundice needs treatment, it is recommended to intervene and treat it early.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Do newborns with jaundice love to sleep?

In newborns with jaundice, it is important to determine whether it is physiological or pathological jaundice. Typically, babies with normal physiological jaundice are generally in good condition, able to eat and sleep well. If they are hungry or uncomfortable, they will cry and wake up. However, if a baby continuously sleeps without waking up for a long period of time, does not wake up even when stimulated, it might indicate a condition of excessive sleepiness, which then falls into a pathological state. If the jaundice significantly worsens and affects the brain, it is often referred to as bilirubin encephalopathy, which might initially manifest as excessive sleepiness. Severe infections or other diseases can also present excessive sleepiness as a symptom. Therefore, if you notice that the baby is sleeping significantly more than usual, and appears lethargic and unresponsive, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What should mothers not eat if their newborn has jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common symptoms during the neonatal period, especially in early neonates. Neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is due to the physiological characteristics of the child and is considered a normal phenomenon. Generally, the degree of jaundice is not very high, so there is no need for the family to worry too much as the jaundice will subside on its own. If it is pathological jaundice, where jaundice appears earlier, progresses faster, and is more severe, then intervention and treatment are needed. Generally, jaundice is not significantly related to the mother's diet. If the baby has jaundice, the mother should strengthen breastfeeding, encouraging the baby to eat, drink, and excrete more. Good bowel and bladder movements can help with the excretion of jaundice. Therefore, if the newborn has jaundice, the mother does not need to make special changes to her diet; she should just maintain a normal diet, enhance nutrition, and promote milk secretion.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Where to test for neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period. Generally, jaundice is monitored in hospitals after the baby is born. If the baby is discharged, jaundice still needs to be monitored. Normal physiological jaundice usually peaks around four to five days and subsides around ten days. If the baby's jaundice is higher than usual after discharge, more frequent monitoring is required. It is generally recommended that jaundice monitoring can be done at local community centers, maternal and child health hospitals, or people's hospitals with obstetrics and gynecology departments, where jaundice can typically be measured. The main test for jaundice is through transcutaneous bilirubin measurement. If the transcutaneous bilirubin measurement is high, it is necessary to confirm whether the bilirubin in the blood is high, which would require going to the hospital for a blood test and liver function test to determine the severity of the jaundice.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does neonatal jaundice need medication?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in early newborns. It is a symptom that occurs in the normal development process of newborns, but it may also be a manifestation of certain diseases. Therefore, neonatal jaundice can be a normal phenomenon, but sometimes it may be pathological. Generally, physiological jaundice, which is the normal condition, does not require intervention. Once the jaundice reaches a certain level, it will gradually subside, and the baby generally remains in good condition. At home, it is only necessary to regularly monitor the jaundice without too much worry. If the jaundice appears early and progresses quickly, it may be appropriate to take some medication to reduce the bilirubin. If the jaundice continues to rise, or the baby has other discomforts, it is then necessary to go to the hospital promptly where a neonatologist will conduct relevant examinations and intervene with timely treatment if necessary.