According to French doctors, new mothers should stay in the hospital at least three days longer to ensure their baby is completely healthy.
The Academy of Medicine in France has noted an increasing number of cases of newborn jaundice, and are recommending new mothers remain in hospital for at least three days after giving birth.
Researchers have found that rates of newborn jaundice are on the rise, although most cases are not serious. About 80 per cent of newborns are born with jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the pigment bilirubin – and half of the cases are so minor that symptoms not even be visible.
In some cases, a build up of bilirubin can cause problems to the nervous system or indicate some other underlying problem. A longer hospital stay would allow doctors to monitor for the condition, which can then be easily treated.