What is the peak day of jaundice?
Jul 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, the peak of physiological jaundice usually occurs 4-7 days after birth; the peak of pathological jaundice typically appears within 24 hours, although the exact peak time cannot be determined. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. To ensure the infant's health, once signs of jaundice are detected, immediate consultation with a physician for evaluation is advised.
Under normal circumstances, the peak of physiological jaundice usually occurs 4-7 days after birth; the peak of pathological jaundice typically appears within 24 hours after birth, although the exact peak time cannot be determined. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely visit to a regular hospital for treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
After birth, newborns experience significant destruction of red blood cells, resulting in increased bilirubin production, while the liver's function to metabolize bilirubin has not yet fully matured, leading to temporary accumulation of bilirubin in the body. As the liver function gradually improves, the capacity for bilirubin metabolism and excretion increases, and jaundice generally resolves spontaneously within two weeks after birth. The peak at 4-7 days represents a typical manifestation of this normal physiological process.
The peak of pathological jaundice differs, as it usually appears within 24 hours after birth, although the exact peak time is difficult to determine precisely. This is because pathological jaundice has complex causes, possibly resulting from infections, hemolysis, biliary obstruction, and other factors. Disease progression speed and severity vary among individuals, as do the magnitude and duration of bilirubin elevation. Therefore, unlike physiological jaundice, there is no relatively fixed peak period. Dynamic observation based on specific causes and treatment conditions is required.
To ensure the infant's health, once jaundice is detected, immediate consultation with a doctor for evaluation is necessary. The doctor will measure the bilirubin level through blood tests to determine whether further treatment, such as phototherapy, is required.
