Excess bilirubin causes jaundice in infants after
birth and this can be treated with phototherapy.
While the baby is in the womb it is dependent on the
mother for food and oxygen. Both these reach the baby through the
umbilical cord that connects him to his mother. The baby's blood has
additional red blood cells to help in the distribution of oxygen through
out his body. After birth the baby begins to breathe through his lungs
and hence does not need the additional red blood cells. His body will
start disposing off the extra cells. These red blood cells are destroyed
in spleen and a major by-product thus produced is bilirubin.
The liver removes the bilirubin from the bloodstream and passes it on
to the intestines. As the baby's liver is still developing, it is unable
to manage, the sudden increase in bilirubin during the first few days.
The large amounts of bilirubin in the blood will make the baby's skin
appear yellow. Immediately after birth it is normal for babies to have a
small amount of jaundice. But if the concentration of bilirubin in the
blood is high it could damage the baby's brain. You should ask your
doctor to monitor your baby constantly if he has jaundice. Things that
you can do:
If the amount of jaundice your baby has is high, your
doctor will treat him using phototherapy. They will place the baby under
a light, naked expect for an eye patch for a few hours, for a few days.
This light will not harm your baby in any way. He can be treated in a
mobile unit in your room.
