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Jaundice in Newborn Babies: What You Need to Know

Firstly, congratulations on your arrival to the world! As a newborn, there are many things you will experience as you grow and adapt to your surroundings. One of the most common medical problems that newborns can face is called jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. It occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in your blood. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down in the body, and is normally processed by the liver and eliminated through the body's waste products. In newborns, however, the liver is not yet fully developed and may not be able to process bilirubin efficiently. This can cause bilirubin levels to build up in the blood, leading to the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, affecting up to 60% of full-term babies and 80% of premature babies. It typically appears within the first few days of life and can last for several weeks. While jaundice is usually not