Prevention:

In newborns, some degree of jaundice is normal and probably not preventable. The risk of significant jaundice can often be reduced by feeding babies at least 8 to 12 times a day for the first several days and by carefully identifying infants at highest risk.

All pregnant women should be tested for blood type and unusual antibodies. If the mother is Rh negative, follow-up testing on the infant's cord is recommended. This may also be done if the mother's blood type is O+, but it is not needed if careful monitoring takes place.

Careful monitoring of all babies during the first 5 days of life can prevent most complications of jaundice. Ideally, this includes:

• Considering a baby's risk for jaundice
• Checking bilirubin level in the first day or so
• Scheduling at least one follow-up visit the first week of life for babies sent home from the hospital in 72 hours