What should I do if the neonatal jaundice does not go away?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on June 18, 2025
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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in the neonatal period. It can be a physiological manifestation in the normal development process of newborns, but it can also be an external symptom of certain diseases. Generally, the duration of normal physiological jaundice should not exceed two weeks for full-term infants and four weeks for premature infants. If the jaundice lasts too long, recurs, or is severe, pathological jaundice should be considered. Pathological jaundice might be a manifestation of certain diseases, with bilirubin levels being one of the indicators. If it is accompanied by other discomforts, such as significant vomiting, abdominal distension or diarrhea, drowsiness, refusal to feed, or fever, this indicates a more serious condition. If the jaundice does not subside, it is recommended to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital. If there is a clear pathological cause, intervention and possibly inpatient treatment are required.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 40sec home-news-image

What to do with neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is the most common disease in newborns, mainly characterized by yellowing of the skin. Generally, normal babies also exhibit jaundice, but this is a type of physiological jaundice. If the baby's jaundice appears early, such as within twenty-four hours, or if the jaundice progresses rapidly with significantly rising jaundice levels, or if it is particularly severe, or if the jaundice lasts for a long duration, or if the jaundice recurs after fading, these are considered pathological jaundice. It is generally advised for pathological jaundice to consult a neonatal specialist for a detailed examination of the baby to determine whether treatment intervention is necessary. If the jaundice is severe and parents are worried, it is recommended to go to the hospital in a timely manner, as hospitalization for treatment may be needed. If the jaundice level is too high and there are some pathological factors, and parents are unable to observe the baby well and the baby's condition is not good, and the jaundice continues to rise, it could potentially progress to the brain, leading to bilirubin encephalopathy, which is a serious complication. Therefore, high jaundice levels still require timely intervention. If the jaundice is at its peak, it is recommended to test for jaundice daily, as timely intervention when jaundice levels are high can prevent serious complications.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 29sec home-news-image

When does neonatal jaundice completely go away?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in newborns, and it can be categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is due to the bilirubin metabolism characteristics of newborns. Generally, about 50%-60% of full-term infants and 80% of preterm infants may experience physiological jaundice. The typical pattern is that the healthy condition remains good, with jaundice appearing on the second to third day after birth for full-term infants, reaching a peak on the fourth to fifth day, and then gradually subsiding, but generally disappearing no later than two weeks. For preterm infants, jaundice usually appears from the third to fifth day after birth, peaks between the fifth and seventh day, and then gradually declines, typically not exceeding four weeks. Therefore, if it is physiological jaundice, it has a certain timeframe. If it is pathological jaundice, the duration of jaundice can vary depending on the cause, whether there was timely intervention and treatment, and the effectiveness of the treatment. Thus, if the jaundice progresses quickly and is severe, it is crucial to promptly visit the hospital, where neonatal doctors can assess the baby's condition and intervene if necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to care for neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is generally divided into physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually does not require special intervention. During the peak period of jaundice, it is important to pay attention to feeding the baby. Strengthening feeding and encouraging the baby to defecate and urinate more can help reduce the jaundice. On the other hand, if the baby has pathological jaundice, it is advised to visit a hospital. A neonatal specialist will carefully examine the baby to determine whether special treatment is needed. Pathological jaundice is often just one symptom of a disease and there may be other pathological factors involved. Care at home for babies with jaundice should include careful feeding to prevent choking, monitoring bowel movements and urination, attending to buttock care, and observing the baby's mental state, reactions during feeding, and monitoring their temperature. Parents of babies with pathological jaundice should seek timely treatment and intervention from a doctor based on the baby's condition.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice generally appears on the 2nd to 3rd day after birth and can manifest with yellowing of the skin, conjunctiva, and oral mucosa. The degree of jaundice varies, usually more noticeable on the face and chest, but not present on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It is most apparent on the 4th to 6th day after birth. The duration of jaundice also varies; in full-term infants, jaundice typically subsides within 10-14 days after birth, whereas in premature infants, it can last until the third or even the fourth week. During this period, infants with physiological jaundice are generally in good condition without any other discomfort and do not require treatment. However, pathological jaundice must be investigated for its cause. Pathological jaundice is primarily characterized by an early onset, severe degree, prolonged duration, or recurrence of jaundice. In such cases, it is classified as pathological jaundice, and it is crucial to actively search for the cause and treat accordingly based on the identified cause.

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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.