How to observe neonatal jaundice

Newborn babies need to pay special attention to jaundice. If jaundice appears too early or disappears too late, medical treatment is required. Therefore, parents need to have a detailed understanding of the jaundice of their newborn babies. So how to observe neonatal jaundice_How to observe neonatal jaundice? There are several aspects to observe when jaundice. The most direct one is the degree of yellowing of the face. Generally, pathological jaundice appears earlier, and this is one of the easiest ways to judge.

1. How to determine the degree of neonatal jaundice

1. Mild: Only facial jaundice occurs.

2. Moderate: Yellowing of the skin on the trunk. Press the skin of the trunk with your fingers and then lift it up to observe the yellowing of the skin.

Severe: Yellowing of the limbs and palms and soles of feet. At this time, you should go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time.

2. Physiological jaundice in newborns

Physiological jaundice usually appears about 2-3 days after birth. Due to the bilirubin metabolism characteristics of newborns, that is, excessive production of bilirubin after birth and low metabolism and excretion capacity, the bilirubin level in the blood increases. About 50% to 60% of full-term infants and 80% of premature infants experience temporary, mild jaundice, which is called physiological jaundice.

3. Neonatal pathological jaundice

Pathological jaundice appears relatively early, usually around 24 hours after the birth of the newborn. It is more severe and lasts for a long time, more than 2-4 weeks, and the condition remains serious.

Characteristics of Neonatal Physiological Jaundice

Physiological jaundice usually occurs in full-term newborns 2-3 days after birth and reaches its peak at 4-5 days. The severity of jaundice varies. Jaundice appears first from the sclera, face, neck and then spreads to the trunk and limbs. Newborns generally have no discomfort.

4. Methods to reduce physiological jaundice

In the early stages, we need to feed the newborn as soon as possible so that the meconium can be excreted as soon as possible, because the meconium contains a lot of bilirubin. Another point is to give the newborn enough water. The way to judge whether the newborn's fluid intake is sufficient is to look at the newborn's urine. Generally, a normal newborn urinates 6-8 times a day. If the number is less than that, it is possible that his fluid intake is insufficient. Too little urination is not conducive to the excretion of bilirubin.