Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Yellowish Discoloration Of The Eyes In Children?
Question: Hi Doctor, our baby was born on 11May. Till date, he is always sleepy almost whole day...may be for 15 mins or so, he opens his eyes. Doctor mother's milk every two hours but he doesn't take sufficient milk. At an average, he takes milk every 3-4 hours for about 15 mins. concern is that he sleeps off while taking milk. doesn't wake up even when trying to wake him up. The skin color and eyes are slight yellow but doctor yesterday said that it's normal and that it will subside. are the above symptoms normal for a new born or should we be concerned about anything. Discharge summary is attached.
Brief Answer:
It is normal but needs follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hi.... today is day 6 of life for your newborn baby. What ever you are saying is quite normal. This mild yellowish discoloration of eyes is called physiological jaundice. You need not worry about this. As your pediatrician has told it will subside in a few days, at the most it might be there for 2 weeks. But it needs follow up. I suggest you meet your pediatrician 3 days once and check if it is increasing abnormally. I also suggest that you do thyroid function test for your new born baby.
Coming to your query about baby not feeding well... and sleeping most of the time....babies of this age will it be sleeping almost 18 to 20 hours per day. Even while feeding babies will sleep off. This is also quite normal. While feeding the baby I suggest that you keep the baby awake by flicking up the heels or by touching and moving the ear pinna.
If the baby is gaining 25 to 30 grams per day at this age it is quite normal. Another point is that new born babies of this age will lose 10% of their body weight and regain it by 10-14 days.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
It is normal but needs follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hi.... today is day 6 of life for your newborn baby. What ever you are saying is quite normal. This mild yellowish discoloration of eyes is called physiological jaundice. You need not worry about this. As your pediatrician has told it will subside in a few days, at the most it might be there for 2 weeks. But it needs follow up. I suggest you meet your pediatrician 3 days once and check if it is increasing abnormally. I also suggest that you do thyroid function test for your new born baby.
Coming to your query about baby not feeding well... and sleeping most of the time....babies of this age will it be sleeping almost 18 to 20 hours per day. Even while feeding babies will sleep off. This is also quite normal. While feeding the baby I suggest that you keep the baby awake by flicking up the heels or by touching and moving the ear pinna.
If the baby is gaining 25 to 30 grams per day at this age it is quite normal. Another point is that new born babies of this age will lose 10% of their body weight and regain it by 10-14 days.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
People also viewed
