What are G6PD deficiency symptoms in a newborn?

G6PD deficiency can make a newborn’s red blood cells break down, causing bilirubin to rise. The skin or whites of the eyes may look yellow, and the baby may be less alert or feed poorly. Pallor can occur when anaemia develops. The colour change can be subtle in different lighting, and symptoms may appear after birth rather than immediately. Not every jaundiced newborn has G6PD deficiency; jaundice has several causes.

Contact the baby’s maternity or paediatric team promptly if jaundice is increasing, feeding is difficult, or the baby is unusually sleepy. Keep a record of family history and tell the team if a parent or sibling has G6PD deficiency. The clinician may arrange a blood test and monitor bilirubin, haemoglobin, and feeding. Read about [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/).

Seek emergency care if the baby is hard to wake, refuses several feeds, has floppy movements, breathes abnormally, or develops rapidly deepening yellow skin. Very dark urine or marked pallor also needs immediate assessment. See [Pale Skin](/symptoms/pale-skin/) and [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) for related symptoms.

Ask how bilirubin will be followed, whether the newborn needs G6PD testing, and which medicines or exposures the family should report. Ask how to judge feeding and alertness at home.