Causes of jaundice in a new born baby

Jaundice in newborn babies, also known as neonatal jaundice, is a common condition that occurs when the baby's liver is not able to remove bilirubin, a yellow pigment, from the blood quickly enough. Bilirubin is produced when old red blood cells are broken down and is normally excreted by the liver into the bile. Here are some common causes of jaundice in newborn babies:

  1. Physiological jaundice: This is the most common type of jaundice in newborns. It occurs because the baby's liver is still maturing and is not able to remove bilirubin from the blood quickly enough.
  2. Breast milk jaundice: Some babies may develop jaundice due to the presence of a substance in breast milk that slows down the breakdown of bilirubin.
  3. Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions such as pyloric stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or intestinal obstruction can cause jaundice in newborns.
  4. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as sepsis or urinary tract infections, can cause jaundice in newborns.
  5. Hemolytic disease of the newborn: This is a condition that occurs when the baby's immune system attacks the red blood cells, causing them to break down and release bilirubin into the blood.
  6. Rh incompatibility: If the mother has Rh-negative blood and the baby has Rh-positive blood, the mother's immune system may produce antibodies that attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to jaundice.
  7. Aplastic crisis: This is a rare condition that occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, leading to anemia and jaundice.
  8. Congenital disorders: Certain congenital disorders, such as galactosemia or Crigler-Najjar syndrome, can cause jaundice in newborns.
  9. Prematurity: Premature babies are at a higher risk of developing jaundice due to their immature liver function.
  10. Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which can cause jaundice in newborns.
  11. Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B or C, can cause jaundice in newborns.
  12. Biliary atresia: A rare condition where the bile ducts are blocked or absent, leading to jaundice and other liver problems.

It's essential to note that in most cases, jaundice in newborns is not a cause for concern and will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, if the jaundice is severe or persistent, it may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.