What to do if newborn baby has high jaundice

Newborn babies' immune systems are not fully developed, making them vulnerable to viruses. The most common disease in infancy is jaundice. Jaundice is particularly common in babies who are about one week old. This symptom may be a physiological phenomenon or a potential manifestation of certain diseases. Therefore, parents must pay more attention to newborn babies to avoid disease infection.

Classification of neonatal jaundice: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice

1. Physiological jaundice

Usually, two days after birth, the newborn's skin is visibly a little yellow, which reaches its peak at 3 to 5 days and most of the time disappears at 7 to 10 days. At this time, the jaundice index (serum bilirubin value) is generally within the normal range of no more than 15 mg/dL.

2. Pathological jaundice

Pathological jaundice should be considered when a newborn has any of the following conditions:

① Early onset of jaundice: within 24 hours after birth;

② Severe: Serum bilirubin concentration >220 mol/L (12.9 mg/dl) in full-term infants and >256.5 μmol/L (15 mg/dl) in premature infants;

③ Increased serum conjugated bilirubin > 26 mol/L (1.5 mg/dl);

④ Rapid progression: serum bilirubin increases by >85 mol/L (5 mg/dl) per day;

⑤ Jaundice lasts for a long time, more than 2 to 4 weeks, or progressively worsens or recurs.

How to deal with high jaundice in babies:

1. Get more sun exposure:

Newborn babies are very prone to jaundice. Sometimes the jaundice increases before the baby is discharged from the hospital, and sometimes it only appears a few days after returning home. Therefore, mothers need to observe carefully. If they find that the baby's face is yellowish, but the symptoms are not too serious, they can take the baby out to bask in the sun. During the basking process, let the baby's skin be exposed to the sun as much as possible. More sun exposure every day can also reduce the yellowing. However, you cannot sunbathe through glass, and be sure to cover your baby's eyes to prevent the scorching sun from burning their eyes.

2. Drug treatment.

Under the guidance of a doctor, give your baby Yinzhihuang oral liquid orally. You can also give your baby gastrointestinal regulating drugs such as Mommy Love to help your baby defecate. This can quickly reduce serum bilirubin levels and significantly shorten the treatment time.

Generally speaking, if you stop breastfeeding, your baby's jaundice symptoms will significantly subside. However, breast milk is the most ideal food for babies, so don't stop feeding it casually, and there is no need to adopt a mixed feeding method of breast milk and formula milk too early. Unless the serum bilirubin value is too high, it is recommended to suspend breastfeeding for three to five days.

3. Go to the hospital for medical treatment in time.

Physiological jaundice usually appears 2-3 days after birth and disappears around 14 days. If the baby's jaundice symptoms persist and gradually worsen, or suddenly worsen, and the baby shows symptoms such as lethargy, drowsiness, difficulty sucking, limb stiffness or convulsions, parents should take the baby to the hospital in time to avoid delaying the baby's condition.

After understanding the reasons for high jaundice levels, do we as parents have a certain understanding of how to protect our children? For mothers, it is best to exercise regularly, keep a good mood, eat more protein-rich foods, drink soy milk, and eat egg whites before delivery. After the baby is born, let the child bask in the sun more often, which can not only help strengthen bones but also reduce jaundice levels.