My son is 15 days old.he caught up with jaundice after birth.Now it’s been recovering.Could u plz suggest how can I check that jaundice has been cured completely??

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Accepted Answer

Monitoring your newborn's recovery from jaundice is important, and there are several signs and methods to help determine whether the jaundice has resolved:

1. Observe Skin and Eye Color:

Skin Tone: Check your baby's skin. As jaundice resolves, the yellow tint should gradually fade. Press gently on their skin; if it appears normal or less yellow, it may indicate improvement.

Sclera (White Part of Eyes): Examine the whites of their eyes. They should appear white rather than yellow as jaundice improves.

2. Monitor Feeding and Urination:

Feeding: Ensure your baby is feeding well, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding. Adequate feeding helps eliminate bilirubin through stools and urine.

Urination: Keep track of wet diapers. A well-hydrated baby should have at least 6-8 wet diapers per day.

Stools: Observe stool color. As jaundice resolves, stools should be light brown or yellow. Dark or pale stools can indicate problems.

3. Follow-Up Bilirubin Tests:

Blood Tests: Your pediatrician may perform follow-up bilirubin tests to check the level of bilirubin in your baby's blood. Regular monitoring is essential, especially if they had significant jaundice.

Home Monitoring Devices: In some cases, pediatricians may recommend using devices to measure bilirubin levels at home, but this should be done under medical guidance.

4. General Well-Being:

Activity Level: Observe your baby's energy and alertness. A well baby is usually more active and responsive.

Feeding Patterns: Look for consistent feeding patterns and weight gain, which are indicators of good health.

5. Consult Your Pediatrician:

Regular Check-Ups: Always keep your follow-up appointments with the pediatrician. They can assess your baby's condition, perform necessary tests, and determine if jaundice has resolved completely.

Report Concerns: If you notice any signs of persistent jaundice (e.g., yellow skin or eyes), lethargy, or poor feeding, contact your pediatrician immediately.

Summary

It’s crucial to work closely with your pediatrician to monitor your baby's recovery from jaundice. They can provide the most accurate assessment through clinical examination and laboratory tests. Always feel free to reach out to them with any concerns you may have regarding your baby's health.