what causes jaundice in babies

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Nature

Jaundice in babies is primarily caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Newborns produce and break down red blood cells faster than adults, but their livers are often immature and cannot process and remove bilirubin from the blood quickly enough, leading to the yellowing of skin and eyes. This common condition is called physiologic jaundice and typically appears within the first few days of life. Other causes of jaundice in babies include internal bleeding, infections (bacterial or viral), blood type incompatibilities between mother and baby, liver malfunctions, blocked or scarred bile ducts (biliary atresia), enzyme deficiencies, and rapid breakdown of red blood cells due to other issues. Breastfeeding can also contribute to jaundice in some cases, either through limited fluid intake before milk comes in or substances in breast milk that affect bilirubin processing. Premature birth, bruising during birth, family history of blood disorders, and certain genetic conditions increase the risk of jaundice in infants.