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The Global Library of Women’s Medicine
Enhancing the Welfare of Women
Expert Health Information for Women
Jaundice in the newborn
What is jaundice in babies? Babies with jaundice have yellowish skin and eyes.
It is a common condition that happens in babies between 2 days and 2 weeks old. Most babies have mild jaundice, while others may have it worse.
It is best to check for jaundice in daylight. If your baby has darker skin, look for jaundice or yellow color in the whites of their eyes and by pressing on their skin.
How do I know my baby has mild jaundice? Baby is well and feeds often. Only their eyes and skin from the face down to the chest look yellowish. Their poo is normal which is yellow, green or brown.
What should I do if my baby has mild jaundice? Feed your baby often, every 3 hours or more if they are hungry. Watch out for worsening jaundice.
Remember, there is no need to give your baby medication, herbs or extra water other than his/her usual feeds.
Take your baby on the same the day to see a healthcare worker if your baby:
looks yellow all over their body and when pressing on palms, heels or nose; sleeps too much;
has white or clay-colored poo;
has dark colored pee;
does not want to drink milk;
or has a fever or rash.
Severe or deep jaundice is bad and dangerous for the baby. It can cause hearing loss and brain damage.
Please take your baby to a healthcare worker immediately if they show any of these danger signs:
non-stop or high-pitched crying;
body bending backwards; strange eye movements;
the body becomes limp;
the body is stiff.
Early treatment such as using special light (phototherapy) can reduce the chances of jaundice causing serious health problems for your baby.
So, check if your baby has jaundice and take your baby to see the nearest healthcare worker if you suspect they have jaundice.
The authors of this JAUNDICE IN THE NEWBORN programme are:
- Siti Nurkamilla Ramdzan
Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia - Ilham Ameera Ismail
Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia - Julia Suhaimi
Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia - Khasnur Abd Malek
Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia - Nurainul Hana Shamsuddin
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
The Welfare of Women programme has been created under the General Editorship of Dr Kate Lightly, University of Liverpool, UK and is overseen by an expert International Editorial Board