Mine PCOS

Bilirubin level 19 in newborn

In this article, I will discuss that if your newborn has bilirubin level of 19 mg/dL, whether it is normal or a matter of being worried? Click here to know my own story of high bilirubin 18.9 mg/dL in my newborn and his death

It is not uncommon for a newborn to have mild high bilirubin level in his blood. Either the newborn baby is full term or preterm, in both the cases, bilirubin level in newborn are likely to be mild high.

If your newborn is full term and has less 5 mg/dL with 24 hours of birth and same does not continuously rapidly increase day by day for the first 5 days of his birth, then no need to be worried about.

Though, bilirubin level may increase for the first few days and may reach it peak level on 3 to 5th day of his birth but the peak level should not in any way be more than 15 mg/dL.

As per guidelines of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), bilirubin level of less than 15 mg/dL on 4th day of health, full term newborn is considered to be within normal range hence same is not a matter of concern.

Be noted, if baby is premature and not healthy, 15mg/dL level of bilirubin is considered to be very high and abnormal,

If your baby has bilirubin level of 19 mg/dL, it is a matter of concern and baby's treatment either photo therapy or blood transfusion or any other treatment applicable to your case should be immediately done to avoid further increase of bilirubin level in your baby.

Be aware, a high bilirubin level may cause damage to a newborn baby if same is not treated timely.