Your baby likely has yellow in his eyes due to a common condition called newborn jaundice.
Understanding Newborn Jaundice
Newborn jaundice is a condition where your baby's skin and the whites of their eyes turn yellow. This happens because of a build-up of a substance in the blood called bilirubin.
Bilirubin Buildup
- Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down.
- Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, but a newborn's liver may not be fully developed.
- This makes it harder for the newborn to clear bilirubin from their blood, resulting in its buildup.
How Common Is Newborn Jaundice?
According to the provided reference, newborn jaundice is quite common, affecting about 3 in 5 babies (60%). It typically appears a few days after birth.
Symptoms of Jaundice
The most obvious signs of jaundice include:
- Yellowing of the skin
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
Why Does This Happen?
Here’s a summary of the process:
| Process | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Red Blood Cell Breakdown | Babies have more red blood cells than adults, and these break down quickly after birth, releasing bilirubin. |
| Immature Liver | A newborn's liver is not yet fully efficient at processing and removing bilirubin from the bloodstream. |
| Bilirubin Buildup | The combination of increased bilirubin production and reduced processing results in a buildup of bilirubin, causing jaundice. |
What to Do
If you notice yellowing in your baby's eyes or skin, it’s important to contact your doctor. While most cases of newborn jaundice are mild and resolve on their own, some babies may need treatment, such as light therapy (phototherapy), to help lower bilirubin levels.
