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Prolonged jaundice in babies
- 0-1 Years
Jaundice is caused by the build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, are broken down. People who are jaundiced usually look a little yellow.
Prolonged jaundice is when the jaundice lasts longer than:
- 14 days in babies that were born at or after 37 weeks
- 21 days in pre-term babies that were born before 37 weeks
Jaundice is common in newborn babies. It is relatively harmless. 60% of babies have jaundice. 80% of preterm babies have jaundice.
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Signs of jaundice
The main sign of jaundice is when your baby's skin is yellow. Changes in skin colour can be more difficult to see if your baby has brown or black skin.
You may be able to see yellowing clearer elsewhere such as:
- in the whites of their eyes
- inside their mouth
- on the soles of their feet
- on the palms of their hands
If your health visitor or midwife has noticed jaundice in your baby, they may refer you to the hospital clinic. At the hospital clinic they will test your baby's blood to check their bilirubin levels.
Your appointment at the clinic
Prolonged jaundice is usually harmless but it is important that we check for any illnesses. The doctor at the hospital clinic will be checking for these potential illnesses.
It's important you take your patient child health record (red book) with you to the appointment.
The doctor will need to know how much your baby weighed at birth. They will also need to know if your baby has gained or lost any weight.
They will examine your baby and ask questions like:
- How is your baby feeding?
- What is the normal colour of their pee?
- What is the normal colour of their poo?
You may be asked to get a urine sample from your baby. You will be given instructions on how to obtain the urine sample.
Blood may be taken from your baby. The blood will be tested to check the levels of bilirubin and to see if your baby needs any treatment. Once the blood has been taken, you can your baby can go home.
Results
The results of the blood test will be given to you as soon as they are available. If your baby needs treatment, you will be given instructions on what to do next.
In most cases no treatment needed.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2024
