Neonatal Jaundice: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
A clear guide to neonatal jaundice, the common yellowing of a newborn's skin, covering warning signs, diagnosis and treatment with phototherapy.
Treatment usually begins with
Newborn Assessment
Bilirubin Test
Phototherapy
Follow-up Care
Most cases are mild and resolve with monitoring or a short course of phototherapy.
You may need this evaluated if...
A jaundice evaluation is recommended when these signs appear:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes appears in the first week
- Jaundice spreads to the arms or legs
- The baby is feeding poorly or unusually sleepy
- Jaundice persists beyond two weeks
Mild jaundice is very common in newborns and is easily monitored and treated when needed.
What is Neonatal Jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is a yellowing of a newborn's skin and eyes caused by a build-up of bilirubin, and is very common in the first week of life.
Very Common
Affects a large proportion of newborns in the first week.
Usually Mild
Most cases resolve on their own or with brief treatment.
Checked with a Simple Test
A bilirubin level test confirms the severity.
Treatable
Phototherapy quickly brings bilirubin levels down when needed.
Common Symptoms
- Yellowing of the skin, starting from the face
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
- Poor feeding
- Excessive sleepiness
- Dark urine or pale stools, in some cases
What Increases the Risk
A combination of medical, developmental and environmental factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the right treatment plan.
1. Clinical assessment
Checking the extent of yellowing and the baby's feeding and activity.
2. Bilirubin test
A blood or skin test measures the bilirubin level.
3. Follow-up testing
Repeat tests track how bilirubin levels respond to treatment.
Treatment Approaches
Medical Care
- Phototherapy
- Frequent Breastfeeding or Feeding Support
- Bilirubin Level Monitoring
- Follow-up Weight Checks
Surgical Care
Surgery is not a treatment for neonatal jaundice. Severe, rare cases may need a specialised procedure called exchange transfusion.
Treatment decisions are based on the child's symptoms, growth, timing and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly is important for the best outcome.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing symptoms.
- Mild yellowing appears after the first few days
- You want a bilirubin check as a precaution
- You want feeding support to help clear jaundice
Seek Urgent Care
Call for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of birth
- The baby is very sleepy or feeding very poorly
- Yellowing spreads rapidly to the arms and legs
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you choose the right pediatrician.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can match your child's condition to the right specialist.
Share your concern or existing reports. We will help you choose the right hospital, doctor and appointment.
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