G6PD deficiency in neonates: what parents should know

G6PD is an enzyme that helps protect red blood cells. A newborn with low G6PD activity may develop haemolysis, meaning red cells are removed faster than they are replaced. This can raise bilirubin and cause yellowing of the skin or eyes. Newborns may not explain how they feel, so changes in feeding, alertness, colour or urine are useful clues. A baby can look well at first and still need planned checks.

Tell the maternity, neonatal and paediatric teams about any known family history, especially if a parent or sibling has G6PD deficiency. Keep every newborn follow-up appointment and ask how bilirubin will be monitored. Do not give a medicine, supplement or traditional remedy unless the baby's clinician or pharmacist has checked it for G6PD safety. Keep a written record of the diagnosis and show it before treatment. A Blood Test may help assess red cells, bilirubin or G6PD activity.

Contact the baby's clinician urgently if yellow colour is increasing, the baby is unusually sleepy, feeds poorly, has fewer wet nappies, looks very pale, or passes dark urine. Seek emergency care if the baby is difficult to wake, floppy, breathing abnormally or having a seizure. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these changes appear.

Ask which symptoms should trigger same-day review, when bilirubin and haemoglobin will be checked, which medicines and household products to avoid, and whether close relatives should discuss testing.