Newborn jaundice is a common condition that usually occurs in the first two weeks of life. This condition is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Your baby begins to appear yellow because bilirubin, a yellow pigmented substance, accumulates inside his body. A type of phototherapy including basking in the rays of a bili light can cure jaundice until the body is ready to take over.
Causes
During pregnancy, the mother's body is responsible for removing bilirubin. Any bilirubin that is produced inside the fetus's body is filtered out by the placenta and the mother's liver removes it. When a baby is born, her liver must begin removing bilirubin, but this may not happen immediately. An accumulation of bilirubin may begin when the liver does not begin processing it immediately.
Phototherapy
A common treatment for jaundice is phototherapy. Your newborn will be placed under a fluorescent light with bare skin exposed, but eyes protected. The flourescent light is blue and is able to penetrate through the skin, breaking down bilirubin. The light breaks up bilirubin into substances that the newborn's body can remove through the urine and stool.
Side Effects
During treatment with bili lights, your newborn may experience some side effects. Bili lights often cause loose bowel movements, which may increase in frequency. However, more bowel movements are necessary because this is one way that bilirubin leaves the infant's body. Your newborn is also at risk of dehydration during treatment. Increasing your newborn's feedings can help. If not, your doctor may consider rehydrating through a vein.
Complications
Within one to two weeks of treatment, jaundice generally clears up and the liver is able to take over. If high levels of bilirubin are left untreated, your newborn could suffer from kernicterus, a condition marked by brain damage. To assure that his levels are back to normal, your child's doctor will perform regular blood tests.
