How common is jaundice in newborn babies?
Many babies get jaundice in the first few days of life. Because newborn babies don't usually stay in the hospital for long
after they're born, this might not be diagnosed until they're at home.
About half of all babies get jaundice in the first week of life.1 But between 7 in 10 and 8 in 10 babies who are born early (prematurely) get jaundice.2
One of the most common reasons why newborn babies are admitted to the hospital is to have treatment for jaundice.3
Sources for the information on this page:
- Totapally BR, Torbati D. Neonatal jaundice. International Pediatrics. 2005; 20: 47-54.
- Kumar RK. Neonatal Jaundice: an update for family physicians. Australian Family Physician. 1999; 28: 679-682. 10431423
- Dennery PA, Seidman DS, Stevenson DK. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2001; 344: 581-590.
This information was last updated in May 07, 2008
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
