Newborn Care in the First Month: Jaundice (Peeliya), Check-ups and Pakistan’s Vaccination Schedule
The first month with a new baby brings many questions. This guide explains what is normal, which signs need a doctor quickly, and when your baby’s vaccines are due under Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
Newborn jaundice (peeliya)
Many babies look slightly yellow on day 2 to 4. This is usually harmless and fades within two weeks. Some jaundice, however, can become dangerous and needs a blood test and treatment.
See a doctor the same day if:
- Yellow colour appears in the first 24 hours after birth
- The yellow spreads to the tummy, legs, palms or soles
- The baby is very sleepy, hard to wake for feeds, or feeding poorly
- Stools are pale or chalky, or urine is dark yellow
- Jaundice lasts more than 2 weeks (3 weeks in premature babies)
Putting the baby in sunlight is not a safe treatment for jaundice. A simple blood test tells the doctor whether treatment with phototherapy is needed.
Feeding and weight
- Most babies feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
- It is normal to lose some weight in the first days. Most babies are back to birth weight by about 2 weeks.
- After the first week, expect about 6 or more wet nappies a day.
If your baby is not back to birth weight by two weeks, or feeding seems difficult, see a child specialist.
Danger signs in a newborn: go to hospital now
- Not feeding, or vomiting everything
- Fever (38°C or more) or a low temperature (feels cold)
- Fast breathing, chest indrawing, or grunting
- Fits, or very floppy or very still
- Redness, pus or a bad smell around the umbilical cord
When to bring your baby for check-ups
- In the first week (ideally day 3 to 5): jaundice, feeding and weight check
- At each vaccination visit: growth, development and feeding
- Any time you are worried
Pakistan’s routine vaccination schedule (EPI)
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| At birth | BCG, oral polio (OPV-0) |
| 6 weeks | Pentavalent (DPT, Hib, hepatitis B), OPV, pneumococcal (PCV), rotavirus |
| 10 weeks | Pentavalent, OPV, PCV, rotavirus |
| 14 weeks | Pentavalent, OPV, PCV, injectable polio (IPV) |
| 9 months | Measles-rubella (MR-1), typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) |
| 15 months | Measles-rubella (MR-2) |
Some centres also give a hepatitis B dose at birth and a second IPV dose, so always follow the dates on your child’s EPI card. Ask your doctor about any missed doses; it is never too late to catch up.
Aksar poochay janay walay sawal (FAQs)
Naye bachay ka pehla checkup kab karwayein?
In the first week, ideally on day 3 to 5, and sooner if there is jaundice or feeding difficulty.
Kya peeliya mein dhoop dena kafi hai?
No. Sunlight is not a reliable treatment. A blood test decides whether phototherapy is needed.
Teeke ke baad bukhar ho to?
A mild fever and sore leg for a day are common. See a doctor if the fever is high, lasts more than 2 days, or the baby is very unwell.
Newborn and baby check-ups in Shah Faisal Colony
Dr Samina Habib, FCPS (Paediatrics), offers newborn and baby check-ups at The Asthetik, Shah Faisal Colony branch (Office 1/A-59, Umar Farooq Road, near DVAGO, Block 1). Bring your baby’s EPI card. Call 021-34570339 or book an appointment.
General information only; it does not replace an examination.