CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta – Jaundice is one of the most common health problems that affect newborn baby. This is characterized by yellowing of the baby’s skin and eyes, which occurs when there is too much bilirubin in the baby’s blood. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), 6 out of every 10 babies are expected to have jaundice, including 8 out of 10 babies born prematurely before the 37th week of pregnancy. However, the health agency says only 1 in 20 babies needs treatment. So, what causes of yellow babies? What are the symptoms, how to prevent, and overcome them. Come on, let’s learn together.
Causes of Yellow Babies
According to Neymours KidsHealth, newborns usually experience physiological jaundice because they are born with more blood cells than adults. Blood cells don’t last long and get damaged causing more bilirubin in the body. Babies can experience this kind of jaundice 2-4 days after birth.
However, he recovered at 2 weeks old, but in most cases, babies are prone to jaundice if they are born prematurely or are not breastfed regularly.
It can also happen if the baby’s blood type does not match the mother’s blood type.
Also, if the baby has a genetic problem that makes the red blood cells more susceptible or is born with a high red blood cell count.
Yellow Baby Symptoms
Signs of jaundice in newborns are yellowing of the skin. It started on the face, then started appearing on the chest and stomach, then on the legs. In addition to the skin, the whites of the baby’s eyes also turn yellow.
Increased levels of bilirubin in the body can also make babies sleepy and fussy.
It’s important to note that identifying jaundice in dark skin can be difficult. What parents can do is apply pressure to the baby’s skin and check to see if the area is yellow when you lift your finger. If it is yellow, it could be jaundice.
How to Reduce the Risk of Jaundice
“The best prevention of jaundice in infants is adequate feeding,” according to the Mayo Clinic, as reported Times of Indiaon Monday, February 20, 2023.
“A breast-fed baby should get eight to 12 feeds a day for the first few days of life. Formula-fed babies should usually have 1 to 2 ounces (about 30 to 60 milliliters) of formula every two to three hours. for the first week,” the health agency explained.
How to Overcome a Yellow Baby
If your newborn has jaundice, here’s what you can do:
– Breastfeed more often
– The doctor may recommend frequent feedings or supplements
– Light therapy which involves placing the baby under a special lamp that emits light in the blue-green spectrum
– In severe but rare cases, the baby may need a blood transfusion. Talk to your doctor about the same.
Signs of having to see a doctor
Jaundice in newborns is not too cause for concern, some even recover on their own. However, if your baby starts to look very sick, is not eating or suckling well, is always sleepy, and if the jaundice is getting worse, you should consult a doctor or pediatrician.
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