Can newborns with jaundice drink water?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on April 08, 2025
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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns. It can be a normal physiological phenomenon or an external manifestation of certain diseases. Jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. The treatment of jaundice generally involves observing the progression and severity of the baby's jaundice and any accompanying symptoms. The causes of jaundice are numerous. Regarding the feeding of jaundiced infants, it is important to feed on demand and increase feeding to promote the excretion of urine and stool, which can help reduce jaundice. However, it is not advisable to feed water to newborns with jaundice. Typically, the growth and development of babies are relatively rapid in the early stages, requiring nutritional supply. Water has virtually no nutrients, but breast milk or formula feeding provides sufficient hydration for the baby's needs. Therefore, for jaundiced babies, usually within the first six months of life, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended. In special circumstances, formula supplementation may be appropriate, but feeding water is not recommended.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What causes jaundice in newborns?

Neonatal jaundice is primarily due to the overproduction of bilirubin, which means a higher number of red blood cells are being destroyed, leading to an increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood. Additionally, there is a metabolic disorder of bilirubin in the child. The liver cells' ability to take up and bind bilirubin decreases, which can cause an increase in the concentration of unbound bilirubin in the serum, resulting in jaundice. This mainly occurs in cases of hypoxia, infection, and some congenital diseases, among others. Certain medications and reduced thyroid function can also present this symptom. The third issue is an impairment in the bile's ability to excrete bilirubin, which can occur when the child has neonatal hepatitis or congenital metabolic defects, leading to jaundice.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does neonatal jaundice recede from the forehead first?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common phenomena in newborns, with about 80% of full-term infants visibly exhibiting jaundice. Typically, the development of jaundice begins in the facial area and gradually extends to the trunk and limbs. Its reduction follows the reverse pattern, generally receding from the limbs to the trunk and then slowly to the facial area. Usually, if the face no longer appears yellow, the jaundice has essentially subsided.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is it useful for newborns with jaundice to take probiotics?

Probiotics are useful for newborn jaundice. After oral administration of probiotics, they help establish a normal gut microbiota in babies and then reduce the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, which aids in the treatment of jaundice. Common probiotics, often referred to in layman's terms as live bacteria, include species like Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium, or Lactobacillus, among others. These probiotics are available in pharmacies. Generally, for newborns, especially those who are breastfed and do not recover well from jaundice, oral probiotics can have a therapeutic effect on reducing jaundice, so it is suitable for newborn babies to consume certain probiotics.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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neonatal jaundice safe value

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period; it can be a normal physiological phenomenon or an external manifestation of certain diseases. Generally, about 80% of full-term infants can be visibly seen having yellow-tinted skin. There is a normal range for monitoring jaundice. For full-term infants, this should not exceed 6 within the first 24 hours after birth, not exceed 9 within 48 hours, not exceed 12 within 72 hours, and not exceed 15 after 72 hours. If these values are exceeded, it is advisable to visit a hospital, where a pediatrician can conduct relevant examinations based on the infant’s specific condition. If pathological jaundice is diagnosed, timely intervention and treatment are necessary.