Newborn jaundice is the most common condition requiring medical attention in newborn infants. About 80 per cent of Pre-term and 50 per cent of term infants develop jaundice in the first week of life.
Newborn jaundice occurs when the colour of the skin and eyes of the newborn baby begins to look yellow in the first 28days of life.
The Paediatric Society of Ghana is creating an Awareness in the Month of May to save babies with Jaundice, therefore terming “May is Yellow Month’’ the month of the Awareness of Newborn Jaundice.
The condition is also caused by prematurity, infections and, blood group differences between mother and baby. Camphor use in babies with the condition of the blood known as G6PD deficiency and poor feeding.
There are some things one needs to look out for in their babies after delivery
1. Check for abnormal yellow colouring of the baby’s eyes by exposing baby to bright light at least twice daily.
2. Check if the baby’s stool colour is pale with little or no colour.
3. Poor feeding, abnormal cry, high body temperature and reduced physical activity
If detected early, newborn Jaundice can be treated. Take the baby to the hospital if you see the yellowish discolouration on your baby’s skin and eyes. Newborn Jaundice will result in difficulty in hearing loss, visual impairment, problems with walking and movement, learning, feeding and can also result in death, if not treated early.
It is important pregnant women register early for antenatal care and avoid contact with the faeces of cats and dogs. Families should avoid storing babies clothing with camphor and babies should be born in a certified health facility.
The misconception of expressing milk into the baby’s eyes, exposing the baby to sunlight, giving glucose drinks to your baby to treat jaundice is dangerous and may not work.
Remember, ”Early detection and early treatment will save your baby’s life -Stand up and let’s fight.’’
THE LENSE 