Jaundice

Jaundice is a common but usually harmless condition in newborn babies that occurs 2-3 days after birth.  It can cause their skin and eyes to appear yellow and can make their urine dark or their poo pale.

Your midwife will check your baby for Jaundice when she comes to visit.  However, it can be possible for babies to develop Jaundice a little later, so if you notice any of the above symptoms you should contact your GP.

Most babies do not requite any kind of treatment for their jaundice and symptoms should disappear before 2 weeks.  In certain cases blood tests may reveal that the baby needs treatment (by light therapy or blood transfusion) for the condition, this is usually very effective and the baby is well again within a few days.

Do you know about the tests and immunisations your baby will need?