The liver of a newborn may be too immature to remove bilirubin as fast as it forms. If too much bilirubin builds up in the blood, it may cause the skin and the whites of the eyes to appear yellow. This is called jaundice.
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It comes from a yellow substance called bilirubin. Here is information about phototherapy treatment for your newborn's jaundice.
Jaundice happens when your baby's liver is still immature. The liver can't help the body get rid of enough bilirubin. Bilirubin is a substance found in the red blood cells. It can build up in the blood after your baby is born. This is part of the normal breakdown of red blood cells. But if bilirubin levels become too high and are not treated, they can harm your baby's developing brain and nervous system.
Watch this video to learn what jaundice is, including a severe complication called Kernicterus, how the condition is treated and when you should call your healthcare provider.
