Jaundice, a common condition seen in more than half of all healthy infants, usually shows up shortly after birth. A jaundiced baby will have a yellowish tinge to their skin and the whites of their eyes (sclera). This yellow color first appears on the face, then chest and stomach, and finally, the legs. If your baby shows signs of jaundice, it’s probably nothing to worry about, but you should mention it to your healthcare provider. In most cases, it disappears on its own. If not, it can easily be treated.

What causes jaundice?

Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, produced naturally by the body, builds up faster than a newborn’s liver can break it down and excrete it in the baby’s stool. Bilirubin is produced during a naturally occurring cycle, when red blood cells breakdown. The oxygen carrying hemoglobin found in red blood cells changes into yellow bilirubin. Older children and adults area able to get rid of the bilirubin quickly, usually through their stool. Newborns tend to have higher levels of bilirubin because they have extra red blood cells. Because the newborn’s liver is not yet mature, it cannot remove the bilirubin from the blood.  

Is jaundice harmful?

Jaundice is usually not serious. In most cases, it is considered normal physiologic jaundice, which disappears by the tenth day. In premature babies, it may take longer for the jaundice to disappear—usually within two months of birth.

Jaundice can be dangerous if the bilirubin is at extremely high levels, which can cause brain damage. Prolonged jaundice may also be a sign of a more serious disorder, such as an infection, red cell defect, thyroid disorder or liver disorder. If the baby is still jaundiced two weeks after birth, tests are required to determine the cause and treatment. Breast milk can interfere with the ability of the baby’s liver to process bilirubin. This may prolong jaundice in some newborns. This form of jaundice will disappear over time, up to four to six weeks.  

How is jaundice treated?

Most cases of jaundice do not require any treatment. If high levels of jaundice don’t clear up on their own, your baby may be treated with phototherapy, in which the baby is exposed to special lights. These lights help break down excess bilirubin. This treatment, which is safe and effective, may require your baby to be hospitalized for a few days. Often the treatment can be done at home.  

If the jaundice is caused by breast milk, you may be asked to temporarily stop nursing for one to two days to lower your baby’s bilirubin levels. If you have to temporarily stop breastfeeding, you can pump your breast milk for a few days.

In extreme cases, babies may require treatment of their blood to remove the bilirubin. This is done by an exchange transfusion—the baby’s blood is replaced with fresh blood from a blood bank. This treatment is rarely needed.

Jaundice in a healthy baby is not serious and usually clears up quickly. It’s always wise to check with your doctor, if you have any doubts or questions.