A baby in the womb is totally dependent on his/her
mother for food and oxygen, which reach the umbilical cord that connects
him/her to the mother. The distribution of oxygen through his/her body
is aided by the additional red blood cells present in the baby's blood.
After birth, the baby begins to breathe through his/her lungs and hence,
does not need the additional red blood cells. His/her body will start
disposing off the extra cells, soon after birth. These red blood cells
are destroyed in spleen. A major by-product, thus produced, is
bilirubin. The liver removes the bilirubin from the bloodstream and
passes it on to the intestines of the baby.
Since the infant's liver is still in its developing stage, it is unable
to manage the sudden increase in bilirubin, during the first few days
post birth. As a result, large amounts of bilirubin mix in the blood,
thereby making the baby's skin appear yellowish, which is a symptom of
jaundice. Although it natural to find newborns suffering from jaundice
for the first few days post birth, a high concentration of bilirubin in
the blood is considered a serious case. In such a situation, you should
get the condition monitored by the doctor. Read on to know about what
should be done, if your infant suffers from jaundice after birth.
About Jaundice In Infants
