Jaundice in premature babies

• Home
• Blog
• Research
• Jaundice in premature babies

• Dr. Peyman Alipour Koohi
• 19 Shahrivar 1404
• Comments

Why is jaundice more common in premature babies?

Jaundice in premature babies is one of the most important problems that families face after the birth of their child. Almost all babies experience some degree of jaundice, but in babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, This problem is more common, more severe and requires more careful follow-up. Its main cause is the immaturity of the internal organs, especially the liver and the digestive system, which are responsible for the removal of bilirubin.

What is jaundice and why does it occur?

Jaundice is the change in the color of the skin and the whites of the baby's eyes, which is caused by an increase in a substance called Bilirubin is in the blood. This substance is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, usually by the liver It is transferred to the intestine and excreted through feces. In premature babies, this process takes place slowly due to the incomplete functioning of the liver and intestines, and bilirubin accumulates in the blood.

Why is jaundice more common in premature babies?

Various factors cause jaundice in premature babies to be more intense and last longer:

• 🟢 Premature liver: Liver enzymes are not yet fully developed and the ability to eliminate Bilirubin is lower.
• 🟢 Increased destruction of red blood cells: Premature babies have more immature red blood cells that are destroyed earlier.
• 🟢 Weak feeding: Many premature babies cannot feed well in the first days of life, As a result, the excretion of bilirubin through feces is reduced.
• 🟢 Digestive problems: Like the liver, the intestines are not developed in premature babies and the excreted bilirubin returns to the blood again.
• 🟢 Combined diseases: Premature babies are more prone to respiratory problems, infection or anemia, all of which can increase the severity of jaundice.

Symptoms of premature baby jaundice

Families should be sensitive to the signs of jaundice, because the rate of bilirubin increase is higher in premature babies. Some warning signs are:

• 🔶 Yellowing of the skin from the face to the chest and abdomen
• 🔶 The whites of the eyes change to yellow
• 🔶 Lethargy and excessive sleepiness of the baby
• 🔶 Reluctance to breastfeed or weak sucking
• 🔶 Sharp and unusual cries

Dangerous effects of jaundice in premature babies

If the bilirubin level If it is too high in the blood and the treatment is not done on time, bilirubin may be deposited in the baby's brain. This condition is known as kernicterus and can cause irreversible damage such as deafness, mental retardation, movement disorders and even death. For this reason, examining and checking for jaundice in premature babies is doubly important.

Methods for diagnosing jaundice

To accurately diagnose the level of jaundice, doctors use the following methods:

• ✅ Clinical examination of skin and eye color
• ✅ Skin bilirubin meter
• ✅ Blood test for accurate measurement Bilirubin

Rent a jaundice device at home

One of the best ways to quickly and safely treat jaundice is to use a phototherapy device. Families can benefit from services instead of long-term hospitalization of the baby Rent a yellowing device at home and use it. In addition to reducing costs, this method brings peace of mind to the family and better care of the baby.

Prevention of severe jaundice in premature babies

• 🌸 Rapid initiation of breastfeeding after birth
• 🌸 Jaundice check in the first days of birth
• 🌸 See a doctor immediately in case of skin color change or abnormal sleepiness
• 🌸 Use a jaundice device if recommended Physician

Summary

Jaundice is more common in premature babies due to premature liver and digestive problems, and if not treated, it can cause serious complications. Families should be sensitive to its symptoms, do jaundice check regularly, and if needed, use rental jaundice device for home treatment.

Write your comment Cancel Answer

Dr. Peyman Alipour Kohi

Graduate from University of Tehran

24 years of experience in medicine

visits and specialized consultation of babies, children, teenagers

networks Social:

Recent Content

Treatment of newborn jaundice

Nutrition and Health Baby

href="https://dr-alipoorkoohi.com/%d8%a8%db%8c%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%b1%db%8c-%d9%87%d8%a 7%db%8c-%d8%b4%d8%a7%db%8c%d8%b9-%d9%86%d9%88%d8%b2%d8%a7%d8%af%d8%a7%d9%86/">

href="https://dr-alipoorkoohi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ai-generated-cute-baby-boy-playing-doctor-with-stethoscope-and-toy-bear-baby-and-stethoscope-of-pediatrician-for-healthcare-consulting-ai-generated-free-photo.webp"> href="https://dr-alipoorkoohi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ai-generated-cute-baby-boy-dressed-as-a-doctor-with-stethoscope-baby-and-stethoscope-of-pediatrician-for-healthcare-consulting-ai-generated-free-photo.webp">