Patient's question:
The baby was just born three days ago and hasn't gone for the newborn health check-up yet. The baby is a bit yellow, with a bilirubin level of 23. I'm not sure if this bilirubin level is within the normal range. Is there a need for treatment? What should be paid attention to on a daily basis?Doctor's answer:
Mild jaundice in newborns does not require treatment and can be managed by getting more sunlight exposure. A level of 23.4 is not considered severe. Full-term newborns have different normal values for jaundice compared to premature infants. The normal jaundice level for full-term newborns is 12.9 mg/100 mL, meaning the bilirubin level in 100 mL of blood is higher than 12.9 mg. Premature infants have a normal jaundice level of 15 mg/100 mL, meaning the bilirubin level in 100 mL of blood is higher than 15 mg.