Newborns are very susceptible to experiencing jaundice or newborn jaundice a few days after birth. Many parents are concerned when their baby develops jaundice, and some jaundiced babies are not allowed to go home and must receive special care in the hospital. Even before going home, doctors recommend a bilirubin test before discharge.
Is jaundice in babies dangerous? Why can a baby's bilirubin be high and what are the signs that a baby has fully recovered from jaundice? Let's take a look at the explanation below.
What is jaundice in babies?
Yellow baby is a condition where the baby's skin and eyes turn yellow due to high bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and then break down. Normally, the bilirubin level in newborns should be below 5 mg/dL within 24 hours after birth.
In newborns, the processing of red blood cells into bilirubin is higher. This is because the liver in newborns is not yet fully functioning normally like in adults. Symptoms of jaundice in babies can be seen after 2 days post-birth. Bilirubin levels can peak between 3-7 days after birth. This condition is common in newborns and is not dangerous if the baby is born healthy and full-term or not premature.
The yellow color will initially appear around the face area and can spread to the entire body. In some cases, jaundice in babies will disappear within 2-3 weeks and heal on its own. However, there are some indications that need attention. Babies with jaundice may also experience symptoms including a fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius, increasingly yellow skin, and the baby appearing unwilling to breastfeed. The baby's weight does not increase, the baby looks weak and lethargic, and is always sleeping.
Bila bayi kuning disertai gejala tersebut, maka segera periksakan kondisi bayi dan biasanya bayi dengan penyakit kuning yang sedang dan berat membutuhkan perawatan khusus seperti terapi sinar biru. Sinar biru ini dipercaya bisa mengembalikan bilirubin bayi ke dalam jumlah yang normal. Selama dalam perawatan sinar biru, bayi hanya menggunakan popok saja. Pastikan si kecil menggunakan popok nyaman yang berdaya serap tinggi seperti MAKUKU Slim agar dapat mengunci cairan dengan maksimal. Serta untuk menghindari kulit lembab dan memicu timbulnya masalah kesehatan lainnya seperti ruam popok.
It should be noted that the cause of jaundice in babies is not only due to high levels of bilirubin in the baby's body, but it can also be caused by premature birth, a different blood type from the mother, viral infections, and blood cell disorders.
Beware of the Impact of Jaundice in Infants
Although it can heal on its own, mom and dad should be cautious if the baby experiences jaundice for more than 3 weeks or if it persists for months. This is because jaundice that is not treated promptly can lead to brain damage or kernicterus. Kernicterus is a condition of brain damage in infants caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Treatment steps to address this condition include phototherapy and blood transfusion.
A normal jaundiced baby usually appears on the second or third day after birth, becomes more noticeable on the fifth to sixth day, and will disappear by the seventh to tenth day, with the possibility of remaining visible until the 14th day. During this period, the baby appears healthy, has a good feeding pattern, and experiences normal weight gain.
The bilirubin level in newborns is considered normal if it is less than 5 mg/dL. At seven days old, the bilirubin level considered normal for a baby is less than 13 mg/dL. Meanwhile, a baby requires medical attention if a 1-2 day old baby has a bilirubin level of 15 mg/dL, and for a 2-3 day old baby with a bilirubin level of 18 mg/dL.
These Are the Signs of a Baby Recovering from Jaundice
So that mom and dad are no longer worried, let's find out the signs of a baby recovering completely from jaundice. Here are the signs of a baby recovering from jaundice:
- The disappearance of yellow color from the skin or the whites of a baby's eyes
- The baby's bilirubin levels are starting to stabilize and normalize.
- The baby already looks refreshed again
- The color of the stool or feces begins to change
- Babies can consume breast milk well
- The baby's weight is starting to increase
- Bilirubin is still high, but the baby's condition is normal.
- Bilirubin is gradually decreasing
- The color of the eyes and gums has returned to normal.
- Baby active again
- The baby's body temperature returns to normal
If the baby is jaundiced for more than 3 weeks, don't hesitate to take the little one to the doctor, mom and dad! (Aq/MKK)
