Elective cesareans may increase newborn's risk of jaundice

March 06, 2013 (Press-News.org) Elective cesareans may increase newborn's risk of jaundice

Article provided by TODD & WELD LLP
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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians are advising physicians and pregnant woman to refrain from inducing early deliveries unless medically necessary.

Despite the recommendations of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), some physicians continue to schedule cesareans for convenience. This is one factor contributing to the increased rate of premature babies over the last three decades. In fact, according to the March of Dimes the rate of births scheduled for 37 and 38 weeks increased 45 percent from 1990 to 2007.

If a baby is born, either through induction or naturally, before 37 weeks of pregnancy the infant is considered premature. Newborns born prematurely are at an increased risk for a wide range of health complications, including:
-Respiratory distress syndrome
-Intraventricular hemorrhage
-Jaundice and kernicterus
-Chronic lung disease

Physicians are discouraged from inducing early deliveries because of the increased risk of medical complications. Delivering even one week early can lead to an increased risk of jaundice in a newborn.

Dangers of jaundice

The National Institute of Health states jaundice is a relatively normal condition that results when a baby has high levels of bilirubin immediately following birth. The AAFP notes that up to 60 percent of newborns have some level of jaundice during the first week of life.

During pregnancy, the mother's placenta works to filter the blood for the baby. After delivery, the baby's liver takes over this job. It is not uncommon for the baby's liver to require a bit of time to begin properly functioning.

Although a small amount of bilirubin in a newborn's blood is not concerning, it should be monitored. If bilirubin accumulates in an infant's body, intervention may be required to avoid permanent damage. Intervention can include:
-Supplementing baby's diet with formula
-Use of phototherapy lights
-Transfusion

Frequent bowel movements aid in removing bilirubin from the infant's bloodstream. Increasing feedings up to 12 times per day can encourage the liver to filter out additional bilirubin. The infant's physician will monitor the newborn's bilirubin levels and may recommend adding phototherapy lights if increased hydration is not sufficient to reduce the levels of bilirubin.

Phototherapy involves the use of special lights to help the infant's body break down the bilirubin. This can be done either in the hospital or, if jaundice is not severe, at home.

If levels of bilirubin are high, a transfusion may be required. This procedure replaces the baby's blood with new blood.

When treated, jaundice is generally not harmful. If high levels are not treated, the infant can suffer from brain damage or kernicterus. If you have a child who was diagnosed with kernicterus, compensation for medical and rehabilitative costs may be available. Contact an experienced kernicterus lawyer to discuss your situation and better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.