Hello, I'm a medical professional with a strong background in pediatric healthcare. I'm here to provide you with accurate and helpful information regarding the causes of jaundice in newborn babies.

Jaundice in newborns is a common condition that occurs when there is a buildup of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the baby's body. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In most cases, jaundice is a harmless condition that goes away on its own. However, severe jaundice can lead to a serious condition called kernicterus, which can cause brain damage.

The most common cause of jaundice in newborns is physiological jaundice, which is related to the normal changes that occur in a newborn's liver as it begins to function on its own outside the womb. The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin, and in the first days of life, it may not be efficient enough to keep up with the production of bilirubin, leading to jaundice.

Another cause can be breast milk jaundice, which occurs in some breastfed babies and is thought to be related to the timing and amount of breast milk intake.

In some cases, jaundice can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as:

- Hemolytic disease: This occurs when the mother and baby have incompatible blood types, leading to the destruction of the baby's red blood cells.
- Infections: Certain infections can cause premature destruction of red blood cells.
- G6PD deficiency: This is a genetic disorder that affects the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen.
- Cystic fibrosis: In rare cases, this genetic condition can cause jaundice in newborns.

It's important to have a healthcare provider evaluate any newborn with jaundice to determine the cause and ensure appropriate treatment.

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Newborn jaundice occurs when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replaces old red blood cells. The liver helps break down the substance so it can be removed from the body in the stool. ... This is called jaundice.read more >>