How should newborn jaundice be monitored and when to seek care?

• A. Physiologic jaundice is common and resolves in 1–2 weeks; seek care if jaundice appears within 24 hours, lasts beyond 2 weeks, or involves face/eye area or poor feeding.
• B. Jaundice is always a medical emergency.
• C. Jaundice never requires evaluation.
• D. Jaundice is normal only in formula-fed infants.

Answer: (A)

Newborn jaundice is usually physiologic—a common, temporary rise in bilirubin as the liver adjusts. It typically appears a few days after birth and resolves within about one to two weeks in healthy full-term babies. You monitor by noting when it starts, how long it lasts, and how much of the body is affected. Seek care if jaundice appears within the first 24 hours after birth, lasts longer than two weeks, or spreads to the face or whites of the eyes, especially if the baby is not feeding well, is unusually sleepy, or hard to wake. While many cases are normal and don’t require urgent care, these red flags indicate a need for medical evaluation. Jaundice can occur in both breastfed and formula-fed babies, so it isn’t limited to one feeding method. If you’re ever unsure, contact a healthcare provider for guidance.