Do newborns still need a physical examination after jaundice has subsided?

After neonatal jaundice subsides, a physical examination is usually still necessary. Jaundice is a common phenomenon in newborns, but a physical examination can help monitor potential health issues and growth and development status.

Neonatal jaundice is often caused by incomplete bilirubin metabolism and usually resolves on its own within 2-3 weeks after birth. The disappearance of jaundice indicates that bilirubin levels have dropped to the normal range, but this does not mean that all health hazards have been eliminated. Physical examination can evaluate basic indicators such as weight gain, height development, and head circumference changes in newborns, check whether the nervous system reflexes are normal, and observe potential problems such as congenital hip dysplasia. Physical examination can also detect mild liver dysfunction or anemia symptoms that may remain after jaundice subsides.

Some newborns may have prolonged or severe jaundice, and there may be a risk of bile stasis after resolution. In such cases, physical examination is more necessary, and recovery can be confirmed through auxiliary methods such as liver function tests and blood routine tests. Even if the jaundice subsides in a very small number of children with pathological jaundice, serious causes such as biliary atresia and genetic metabolic diseases still need to be ruled out.

It is recommended that parents follow the guidance of pediatricians to regularly take their newborns for physical examinations. Usually, a systematic examination is required at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after birth. During the physical examination, the doctor should be informed in detail about the feeding situation, color of bowel movements, and the process of jaundice resolution. Pay attention to observing the changes in skin color, mental state, and milk intake of newborns in daily life. If any abnormalities are found, seek medical attention promptly and have bilirubin levels rechecked.