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09-04-2021
Column: The Mtn Midwife - NEONATAL JAUNDICE
Column: The Mtn Midwife - NEONATAL JAUNDICE
When babies are born, they start to break down some of their red blood cells and haemaglobin. The byproduct of this is unconjugated bilirubin which builds up in the blood. This is often then deposited into the fatty tissue of the baby and causes them to look yellow on their skin and eyes. It is eliminated through urine and stool.
Is this a problem? Sometimes, yes. Many babies will develop jaundice day three to five, which is caused by normal newborn physiology. This does not necessarily cause a problem, unless the levels of jaundice get too high which can put the baby at risk of severe hyperbilirubinaemia and can lead to kernicterus, a very rare, severe type of brain damage. If a baby develops jaundice in the first 24 hours of life, their risk of severe hyperbilirubinaemia is much higher and requires immediate treatment.
Who are the babies most at risk of developing jaundice? Although it is important to know the risk factors, these can often be quite broad, so it is important for all parents to have an awar

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