Jaundice in newborn babies

Jaundice in newborn babies is a yellow colouration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Visible jaundice occurs in one third to a half of normal newborn babies. It usually does not cause problems and generally fades by the end of the first week after birth. If the jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth, or is still present after 2 weeks, contact your doctor or local hospital.