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Neonatal jaundice

Parent Information Factsheet

The GDG have developed this parent information factsheet to accompany the guideline. The
information included in this appendix is also being used by NICE as the basis for an
implementation tool.

Neonatal Jaundice Parent Information Factsheet

What is jaundice?

Jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies. Jaundice is caused by a build-up of a
chemical in the blood called bilirubin. Newborn babies’ bodies are not developed enough to
process bilirubin and remove it from the blood. Because of this more than half of all newborn
babies become slightly jaundiced for a few days. Jaundice is usually noticeable to the eye
because the build up of bilirubin causes the skin and the whites of the eyes and gums to appear
yellow. In most babies jaundice is mild, causes no harm and clears up by itself. Nevertheless it
is still important to contact your midwife or another health care professional if you think that
your baby might have jaundice.

How can I check my baby for jaundice?
It is important to check your baby for any signs of yellow colouring particularly during the first
week of life. The yellow colouring will usually appear around the face and forehead first and
then spread to the body arms and legs. A good time to check your baby for jaundice is when
you are changing their nappy or clothes. From time to time gently press your baby’s skin to see
if you can see a yellow tinge developing. Check the whites of the eyes if they are open and
when your baby cries have a look inside their mouth and see if the sides of the gums or roof of
the mouth look yellow. Ask your midwife to show you how to check your baby for jaundice if
you are not sure.
What should I do if I think my baby has jaundice?
• If you believe that your baby’s skin, gums or eyes are yellow on the first day of life, contact
your midwife, on-call midwife or another healthcare professional urgently as this could be a
sign of another medical problem.
• If your baby is more than 24 hours old and you think that your baby’s skin, gums or eyes are
yellow, contact your midwife, on-call midwife or another healthcare professional on the same
day.
It is also important to let your midwife, on-call midwife or another healthcare professional
know:
• If any of your other children needed treatment for jaundice as babies
• If your baby was born at less than 38 weeks
• How you are feeding or intending to feed your baby (breast/bottle/both)
• If your baby passes pale, chalky coloured stools (poo) or dark urine (wee) that stains the nappy.

How is jaundice diagnosed?
If you or your midwife thinks your baby has jaundice then the level of bilirubin should be
measured by a healthcare professional. The levels can be measured either by using a simple
device (known as a transcutaneous bilirubinometer) that is placed on the baby’s forehead or chest
and gives a reading, or by taking a blood sample, usually from the baby’s heel. It is important to
monitor the level of bilirubin so a repeat test will often be required 6–12 hours later.

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