Neonatal jaundice is the most common reason for readmission to hospital in the first week of life. About 60% of term and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice in the first week of life, and about 10% of breastfed babies are still jaundiced at 1 month of age. Mostly, neonatal jaundice is benign and does not need any intervention. However, the possibility that jaundice may be a sign of serious underlying illness warrants close consideration. This article aims to give an outline of neonatal jaundice in infants of 35 and more weeks of gestation from birth to 28 days of age, its management in primary care and indications for referral to secondary care.
