newborn jaundice Archives - vardaanhospital.in

When Does a Newborn Need NICU Admission

Aman / October 16, 2026

When Does a Newborn Need NICU Admission? Not every newborn needs special care. However, some babies need extra medical care soon after birth or during their first few weeks. A baby may need to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) if they are born too early or have health problems. These problems may include trouble breathing, serious infections, severe jaundice, seizures, low oxygen levels at birth, or low blood sugar. Parents should get medical help immediately if their newborn has trouble breathing, blue lips or tongue, difficulty feeding, unusual sleepiness, pauses in breathing, or seizures. At Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala, newborn care includes close health monitoring, breathing support, and care from a team of newborn specialists. What Is NICU Admission? A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a special unit for newborn babies who need extra medical care. Some babies need NICU care because they are born too early or have a low birth weight. Other babies may develop health problems shortly after birth. The NICU team checks the baby’s breathing, heartbeat, oxygen levels, body temperature, and feeding. Doctors also check other important signs and give treatment according to the baby’s needs. Some babies need NICU care for a few days, while others may need to stay for several weeks. The length of stay depends on the baby’s health and recovery. When Does a Newborn Need NICU Admission? Doctors may suggest NICU care when a baby needs special treatment or close health monitoring. 1. Premature Birth Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are called premature babies. Their lungs and other organs may not be fully developed. Because of this, they may have trouble breathing, keeping their body warm, or feeding properly. Some premature babies may need an incubator to stay warm, help with breathing, feeding through a tube, or regular health checks. 2. Low Birth Weight A baby weighing less than 2.5 kg at birth is considered to have a low birth weight. However, not every baby with a low birth weight needs NICU care. Doctors check the baby’s breathing, body temperature, blood sugar, feeding, and overall health to decide if special care is needed. If the baby needs extra support or close monitoring, doctors may recommend NICU care. 3. Breathing Problems After Birth Some newborns have trouble breathing soon after birth. This may happen because they are born too early, have lung problems, develop an infection, or face problems during delivery. Watch for these warning signs: Fast or difficult breathing Grunting sounds while breathing The chest pulling inward with each breath Blue or grey lips or tongue Repeated pauses in breathing Doctors may provide oxygen, CPAP, high-flow breathing support, or a ventilator, depending on the baby’s condition. 4. Severe Newborn Jaundice Jaundice makes a baby’s skin and eyes look yellow. It happens when too much bilirubin, a yellow substance, builds up in the baby’s blood. Mild jaundice is common in newborns. However, very high bilirubin levels can harm the baby’s brain if left untreated. Doctors check the bilirubin level in the baby’s blood and look at the baby’s age and other health risks. Treatment may include phototherapy, which uses special light to reduce bilirubin levels. Severe cases may need additional treatment and close monitoring. Important: Yellow skin or eyes during the first 24 hours after birth need prompt medical assessment. 5. Newborn Infections Newborn babies can get serious infections, such as sepsis. These infections can become dangerous very quickly, so early medical care is important. Warning signs may include: Poor feeding or refusing milk Unusual sleepiness Fever or a low body temperature Breathing problems Changes in skin colour Reduced activity or unusual crying Doctors may suggest blood tests and other checks to find the infection. They may also give antibiotics and closely monitor the baby’s health. 6. Birth Asphyxia or Low Oxygen at Birth Sometimes, a baby does not get enough oxygen around the time of birth. This is called birth asphyxia. Affected babies may need immediate breathing support and careful monitoring. Doctors may also check the baby’s brain activity and the function of other organs. Some babies develop a condition called hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). It can affect the brain when it does not get enough oxygen. Some babies may benefit from a treatment called therapeutic hypothermia. Doctors must check these babies quickly because treatment usually needs to start within the first six hours after birth. 7. Low Blood Sugar Newborn babies need enough sugar in their blood to support normal body functions. Some babies are more likely to have low blood sugar. These include babies born too early, babies with low birth weight, and babies born to mothers who have diabetes. Possible signs include: Poor feeding Shaking or trembling Unusual sleepiness Low body temperature Seizures Some babies may not show any clear symptoms. Doctors may check the baby’s blood sugar and provide extra feeding support if needed. They may also use glucose gel or give glucose through a vein. The baby may need NICU care for close monitoring or special treatment. 8. Seizures or Unusual Movements Seizures in newborns may cause repeated jerking, unusual stiffness, staring, or strange movements of the face, arms, or legs. Some seizures are difficult to notice. Possible causes include infections, low blood sugar, changes in blood salts, or brain injury around birth. A newborn with possible seizures needs urgent medical care. Doctors may use EEG or aEEG/CFM monitoring to check the baby’s brain activity if needed. 9. Feeding Problems and Dehydration Some newborns cannot take enough milk or have difficulty feeding safely. This may happen because of premature birth, breathing problems, or other medical conditions. Doctors check the baby’s feeding, weight, urine output, and signs of dehydration. Some babies may need feeding through a tube or fluids through a vein. Doctors may also do other tests to find the cause of the problem. Seek medical help immediately if your baby feeds poorly, seems very sleepy, has trouble breathing, or does not respond normally. 10. Birth Conditions or Other

Newborn Jaundice: When Is Yellow Skin Dangerous

Newborn Jaundice: When Is Yellow Skin Dangerous? Newborn jaundice is a common condition that makes a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes look yellow. It usually starts in the first few days after birth. In most babies, it gets better as the liver develops and removes a substance called bilirubin from the blood. However, jaundice can sometimes become serious if bilirubin levels rise too high. Therefore, parents should know the warning signs and get medical help when need. At Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala, newborns can get medical check-ups and treatment if their jaundice needs close monitoring or care. What Is Newborn Jaundice? Newborn jaundice happens when too much bilirubin builds up in a baby’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that forms when the body breaks down old red blood cells. A newborn’s liver is still growing and developing. Therefore, it may not remove bilirubin from the blood quickly enough. As a result, the baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes may turn yellow. This condition is neonatal jaundice. It is common during the first week after birth. Most babies recover well. However, some need blood tests, regular checks, or special treatment. What Causes Jaundice in Newborn Babies? Several things can cause jaundice in newborns. Here are the most common causes. 1. An Immature Liver A newborn’s liver is still developing. So, it may take time to remove bilirubin from the blood. As a result, the baby’s skin and eyes may turn yellow. 2. Premature Birth Premature babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Their livers are less developed and may take longer to work properly. Therefore, these babies have a higher risk of jaundice and may need more frequent check-ups. 3. Feeding Problems Babies who do not get enough breast milk or formula may pass fewer stools. As a result, their bodies may find it harder to remove bilirubin. Therefore, early feeding support is important. It helps babies get enough milk and stay hydrated. 4. Blood Group Differences Sometimes, the mother’s and baby’s blood groups do not match. This can cause the baby’s red blood cells to break down faster, leading to higher bilirubin levels. As a result, bilirubin levels may rise quickly. Doctors may need to check the baby more closely. 5. Infection or Other Health Problems Sometimes, jaundice is link to an infection, an enzyme problem, or another medical condition. In these cases, a doctor must check the baby to find the cause and provide the right treatment. When Is Newborn Jaundice Dangerous? Yellow skin does not always mean jaundice is serious. However, some warning signs need urgent medical care. Parents should seek medical help immediately if they notice any of these warning signs in their baby. 1. Yellow Skin Within the First 24 Hours If jaundice starts within the first 24 hours after birth, it may be a sign of a serious problem. The baby needs urgent medical checks and a bilirubin test. Do not wait for the yellow colour to go away on its own. 2. Yellow Skin That Gets Worse Jaundice usually starts on the baby’s face. Later, the yellow colour may spread to the chest, tummy, arms, and legs. If the yellow colour becomes stronger or spreads quickly, seek medical advice promptly. However, skin colour alone cannot tell how high the bilirubin level is. Therefore, a medical test may be needed. 3. Poor Feeding or Difficulty Waking Up A baby with jaundice may drink less milk than usual or sleep more than normal. Some babies may also be difficult to wake up for feeding. These signs may indicate severe jaundice or another health problem. Therefore, seek medical help immediately if your baby feeds poorly or is very difficult to wake up. 4. A High-Pitched Cry or Unusual Body Movements A very high-pitched cry, a stiff body, or unusual bending of the back can be signs of severe jaundice. Abnormal body movements can also indicate a serious problem. These signs need emergency medical care. Do not delay getting help. 5. Fever or Breathing Problems A newborn with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs immediate medical attention. Breathing problems, pauses in breathing, or extreme weakness also need emergency care. Do not assume these signs are cause by jaundice alone. They may point to another serious illness. 6. Dark Urine or Pale Stools A newborn’s urine should not usually be dark yellow or brown. Similarly, white, chalky, or very pale stools are not normal. These signs may indicate a problem with the liver or the flow of bile. Therefore, arrange prompt medical assessment, even if your baby seems otherwise well. How Is Newborn Jaundice Diagnose? Doctors check the baby’s age, birth history, feeding, and general health. They also look for signs of yellow skin and eyes. However, looking at the skin is not enough to measure bilirubin accurately. Doctors may recommend the following tests. Bilirubin Test Through the Skin A special device measures bilirubin through the baby’s skin. This test does not usually require a blood sample. Blood Bilirubin Test Doctors may take a small blood sample to measure the bilirubin level more accurately. Other Blood Tests If needed, doctors may check for blood group problems, infections, or other conditions that can cause jaundice. The doctor checks the baby’s age in hours, how many weeks early they were born, bilirubin level, and other health risks. These details help the doctor decide if the baby needs more tests or treatment. How Is Newborn Jaundice Treat? Treatment depends on the baby’s bilirubin level, age, and overall health. 1. Regular Feeding and Feeding Support Regular feeding helps babies pass stools and remove bilirubin from their bodies. In the first few days, most newborns need 8–12 feeds every 24 hours. If breastfeeding is difficult, a healthcare professional can help check whether the baby is feeding well and getting enough milk. Do not give water, sugar water, or home remedies to treat jaundice. 2. Phototherapy Phototherapy is a common treatment for newborn jaundice. It