Why do some newborn babies develop jaundice?
Newborn jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies and, for the most part, causes no serious harm. A number of factors can contribute to the development of jaundice in a newborn. These factors include: • An immature liver that can’t convert or excrete bilirubin effectively. • A temporary lack of bacteria in the intestines — bacteria in the intestines normally break bilirubin down. The break down of bilirubin prevents it from being reabsorbed. Without the bacteria, bilirubin is excreted into the intestines, but it is then reabsorbed back into the blood (instead of being passed out of the body with a bowel movement). • More than the normal number of red blood cells being broken down. • Breastfeeding* — rarely, full-term newborns who are breastfed, will develop a type of jaundice called ‘breast milk jaundice’. The exact reason for this type of jaundice is unknown. • Newborn jaundice typically appears first in the face, then the chest and then in the legs and feet disappears after
