Newborn jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes and can be a common condition affecting many infants in their first days of life. While often harmless, it's essential to diagnose and monitor jaundice to ensure the well-being of the newborn. If jaundice continues, your pediatrician will need to discover what could be causing the jaundice to ensure that further complications are avoided. Your pediatricians at Pediatric Care North in Kansas City, MO, can explain newborn jaundice and why it should be monitored.

Monitoring Newborn Jaundice

If your newborn is dealing with jaundice, it could be likely that it’s harmless and won’t cause complications. However, the only way to know for sure is by monitoring newborn jaundice with your pediatrician in Kansas City, MO, to ensure the issue doesn’t get worse. If jaundice continues, your pediatrician will want to perform certain tests to diagnose what might be causing your newborn’s jaundice.

Your pediatrician will check for jaundice during visits through different methods. During routine check-ups, your pediatrician will carefully examine your newborn for signs of jaundice. They assess the extent of yellowing in the skin and eyes, noting any changes in color intensity. Additionally, they may gently press on your baby's skin to check for yellowing in areas that are less visible, such as the palms or soles of the feet.

In cases where jaundice appears significant or persists beyond the first week of life, your pediatricians may recommend blood tests to measure bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can indicate jaundice. Blood tests provide precise measurements of bilirubin levels, helping healthcare providers determine the severity of jaundice and the need for intervention.

For newborns at risk of developing severe jaundice, healthcare providers may recommend bilirubin monitoring through transcutaneous bilirubinometry or serum bilirubin tests. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry involves using a handheld device to measure bilirubin levels through the skin's surface, providing non-invasive and quick assessments. Serum bilirubin tests involve drawing a small amount of blood to measure bilirubin levels accurately.

For most newborns with mild jaundice, frequent feeding and exposure to sunlight can help lower bilirubin levels naturally. However, in cases of severe jaundice, phototherapy or, rarely, exchange transfusions may be required to reduce bilirubin levels and prevent complications.

Contact Our Pediatrician Today

Make sure you understand why your newborn may be dealing with jaundice. Contact your pediatricians at Pediatric Care North in Kansas City, MO, to learn more about newborn jaundice and what it might mean. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (816) 587-3200.