Liver

A liver biopsy involves taking a very small sample of liver tissue using a needle. The sample will be sent to the lab for testing. Find out more about what is involved in a liver biopsy.

If your baby has normal (physiological) jaundice, they don't need any special treatment. If the bilirubin level is high, phototherapy (bright light therapy) is the most commonly used treatment.

G6PD deficiency can cause jaundice at any age, including in newborn pēpi (babies).

ABO incompatibility is one of the diseases which can cause jaundice. It happens when a mother's blood type is O, and her baby's blood type is A or B.

Rhesus disease is one of the diseases which can cause jaundice. It can only happen if a mother's blood type is Rhesus negative and her baby's blood type is Rhesus positive.

Mild jaundice is common in pēpi (babies), but baby jaundice is not always normal. If your baby has yellow skin or eyes and pale poo or dark (yellow or brown) wee, your baby needs a special blood test. See a health professional or midwife as soon as possible.

Biliary atresia is a rare but serious liver disorder that affects newborn pēpi (babies).