Jaundice is a yellow discoloration to the skin and the white’s of the eyes of a newborn.
- It normally develops between 72 and 96 hours after birthIt is usually present in the first 5 days of life.
- Sign that there is increased bilirubin in the baby’s blood also known as Hyperbilirubinemia
- Mild jaundice in babies that goes away after 1 to 2 weeks is normal and will not cause problems.
- In rare cases, untreated jaundice may cause irreversible brain damage calle kernicterus which can bring about serious problems.
- Babies that develop jaundice within 24 hours or birth must be brought to a doctor immediately