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J
Jaundice
Jaundice in newborn babies is not at all unusual. Within a few hours after birth a baby can look as if she’s got a yellow tint to her skin. This is an indication that there is too much bilirubin in the baby’s blood. Bilirubin is a pigment produced as red blood cells break down. Because a newborn baby’s liver is not fully matured, the bilirubin is not flushed out fast enough through the liver. Most babies have no lasting harm from this type of jaundice. They are placed under lights with their eyes protected until the liver takes over this important function. In extreme cases it is necessary to give the baby a blood transfusion.
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