What can be done to prevent the condition?

Some cases of newborn jaundice can be avoided by providing good prenatal care to the mother. Blood tests are available that measure bilirubin levels. The amniotic fluid can be checked. If there are problems, the fetus might need a blood transfusion. There are also medicines the mother can take to help prevent the condition.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Infants who suffer brain damage from high levels of bilirubin may develop severe symptoms. These include a high-pitched cry, body stiffness, and seizures. Some of these infants die. Those who survive will develop symptoms as they age. By age 3, they may develop a type of cerebral palsy, seizures, mental retardation, hearing impairment, speech impairments, and eye muscle disorders.

Some infants may be only mildly affected. They may lack muscular coordination and may develop partial deafness and attention deficit disorders.

Infants who develop an obstruction in the bile ducts will need surgery. The surgery does not always work. If not, a liver transplant may be the only hope for long-term survival.

What are the risks to others?

Newborn jaundice is not contagious and poses no risk to others.