Jaundice in newborns
Jaundice is a common and usually harmless condition in newborn babies that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Symptoms of jaundice usually appear about three days after birth and disappear by the time the baby is two weeks old.
Jaundice is caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. This is known as hyperbilirubinaemia.
Your baby will be checked for jaundice within 72 hours of being born, but you should keep an eye out for signs of the condition after you return home.
You should see your GP or midwife if your baby develops jaundice. They'll be able to assess whether treatment is needed.
Kernicterus is a rare but serious complication of untreated jaundice in babies caused by excess bilirubin damaging the brain or central nervous system.