Jaundice in newborn


Jaundice is common in many newborns. The baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes appear yellow. In a newborn baby when the red blood cells breakdown producing high levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment. But in newborns the liver is not yet ready to process the excess bilirubin leading to its buildup which causes Jaundice.

In most newborns jaundice goes away by itself in 1–2 weeks. If it lasts longer than that treatment may be needed. Early management is crucial for the baby’s safety.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for jaundice in newborns, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of jaundice in newborns?


Symptoms of jaundice in newborns include:
  1. Yellowing of the skin and eyes – The yellowing starts on the face but can show up in other parts of the body too.
  2. Poor feeding – The baby will be reluctant to feed and they may have trouble latching.
  3. Lethargy – The baby is always sleeping and wakes up with a lot of difficulty.
  4. Dark urine – The normal colour of the urine in babies is pale yellow, but when the baby has jaundice it appears darker.
  5. Pale or light-colored stools – In most breastfed babies the stools are normally yellow. But if the colour of the stool is pale or white stools it can be a warning sign.

Mild jaundice is harmless, but if symptoms appear within the first 24 hours, or last for more than 2 weeks, seek immediate medical attention.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for jaundice in newborns, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes of jaundice in newborn babies?


Jaundice is very common — affecting more than half of all newborns to some degree. It is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood and characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Below are the main causes of Jaundice in Newborns:
  1. Physiological Jaundice:-
    This is the most common cause since the newborn’s liver is still immature and not yet efficient at processing bilirubin.
    It might appear 2–4 days after birth and typically resolves within 1–2 weeks on its own.
  2. Breastfeeding Jaundice
    Due to insufficient intake of breast milk in the first few days the baby gets dehydrated. The bilirubin is not properly eliminated causing jaundice. It might appear within the first week after birth.
  3. Breast Milk Jaundice
    For some babies the substances in the breast milk may inhibit the liver’s ability to process bilirubin. It shows up after the first week of birth, but peaks around 10–14 days. Though it lasts for several weeks, it is usually harmless.
  4. Hemolytic Disorders
    Due to the excess breakdown of red blood cells there is an increased production of Bilirubin beyond the liver’s capacity of processing.
  5. Prematurity
    Premature babies are more likely to develop jaundice and may need closer monitoring due to immature liver function
  6. Liver Disorders
    If the newborn has a rare congenital issue such as biliary atresia or neonatal hepatitis the bile flow and bilirubin excretions are effected.

When to get immediate assistance for jaundice in newborns?

  • Jaundice appears in the first 24 hours of birth
  • If the yellowing is spreading all across the body rapidly or the colour is very intense
  • The baby is refusing to feed and is crying continuously.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for jaundice in newborns, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the treatments for newborn jaundice?


Factors affecting the treatment are:
  • The bilirubin levels in the baby
  • How many hours or days have passed since the birth of the baby.
  • The rate at which bilirubin is rising
  • The cause of the jaundice
  • Premature or full-term baby

The following are the main treatments for newborn jaundice
  1. Phototherapy or Light Therapy
    The baby is placed under a special blue light that breaks down bilirubin in the skin into a form the baby can excrete. The baby excretes through urine and stool.
    If the baby is in the hospital it is placed under the overhead lights in a crib or incubator.
    For home purposes a Bili blanket or fiber-optic pad is used.
    The baby is kept under the light for 1–2 days; continuously except during feeding.
    This is the most common treatment since it is safe and effective
  2. Frequent feeding- Breast or Formula
    Due to frequent feeding the newborn has frequent bowel movements, which help excrete the bilirubin.
    Formula should be used only if the baby isn’t getting enough breast milk.
    Best suited for mild to moderate jaundice like breastfeeding jaundice.
  3. Intravenous (IV) Fluids
    IV fluids are given to flush out bilirubin through the kidneys and liver
    IV fluids are opted if the baby is dehydrated or not feeding well.
  4. Exchange Transfusion
    Used if the baby has very high bilirubin levels and is at the risk of serious complications.
    With the help of donor blood, the baby’s blood is gradually replaced to rapidly remove bilirubin.
    Used only when the baby is not responding to phototherapy.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for jaundice in newborns, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics is located at convenient location in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and treatment for jaundice in newborns, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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