Jaundice is a special physiological phenomenon of newborn babies, 80% of normal newborn babies will have jaundice, and jaundice can be divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. However, many mothers do not know how to distinguish between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice, which will bring inconvenience to the baby’s care.
The following methods for distinguishing physiological jaundice from pathological jaundice can be used for reference by mothers:
Distinguish according to the time of jaundice
If jaundice occurs 2 to 3 days after birth, the skin is light yellow, the sclera is yellowish, the urine is slightly yellow, and there is no discomfort. The jaundice is most obvious on the 4th to 6th days, then it should be physiological jaundice.
If jaundice occurs 12 to 24 hours after birth or recurs after jaundice subsides, it is usually pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice lasts longer than physiological jaundice.
Distinguish according to the severity of jaundice
If the baby’s face and neck skin are light yellow or lemon, the sclera is yellowish, and the urine is not stained with diapers, it is physiological jaundice.
If the baby’s skin is golden, the skin of the limbs and even the palms and feet are yellow, and the diapers are yellow, it is pathological jaundice.
Distinguish according to the time when jaundice subsides
Physiological jaundice usually subsides within 2 weeks, and most full-term babies subside within 7 to 10 days. Premature babies may subside until 3 to 4 weeks. Due to physiological phenomena, it is generally unnecessary to deal with. Mothers can encourage breast milk sucking to promote diuresis, and discharge bilirubin.
If jaundice lasts for more than 2 weeks or occurs again after disappearing, it may be pathological jaundice.
Distinguish according to the baby’s mental state
Physiological jaundice does not affect the mental state of the baby. The baby is in good spirits, sucks forcefully, and cries loudly.
Pathological jaundice manifested as in bad spirits, sucks feebly, or even convulse.
Tips
A handheld device has been developed to measure the yellow hues on the skin of babies, called bilirubin liquid chromatographic analysis. The accuracy of this test is 95%, and the results can be measured in a few minutes. If your baby needs a jaundice test, try it.