JAUNDICE Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes due to an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood stream. It is observed during the first week of life in approximately 60% of term infants and 80% of preterm infants. Bilirubin is a yellow colored chemical found in the blood stream, and is a waste product of old red blood cells, which are being recycled by the baby. Before the baby is born, the mother’s placenta disposed of the bilirubin on the baby’s behalf. After birth, the umbilical cord is cut and the bilirubin begins to slowly rise because the baby’s liver is not yet making the enzymes needed to break the bilirubin down. The bilirubin continues to rise over the next several days and may result in the characteristic yellow color; this is called physiologic jaundice, and is the most common cause of jaundice in the newborn. If you notice any of this yellow discoloration in your baby’s skin or eyes after you leave the hospital or a small amount of jaundice noticed in the hospital seems to increase at home please call us.  By age 5-7 days the baby’s liver is mature enough in most cases to remove much of the bilirubin. Jaundice can be caused by other factors, however, such as blood-group incompatibilities between mother and child, large bruises, infection, or any factor which may reduce the activity of the liver. If the jaundice is significant we will take steps to evaluate and control the bilirubin. Phototherapy is an effective method of helping the infant reduce bilirubin. This use of special lights changes the bilirubin into harmless byproducts. Eye patches are used to protect the baby’s eyes during phototherapy. This will be discussed in more detail with you if it is ever necessary.  Never put your baby in direct outdoor sunlight to help bring the bilirubin level down.