Baby belly rubs tested as jaundice prevention

NCT ID NCT05282394

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether gently massaging a newborn's belly can help prevent jaundice, a common condition that causes yellowing of the skin. Researchers at UC Davis will enroll 30 healthy newborns and ask some parents to perform the massage. The main goal is to see if parents find the massage acceptable and if a larger study is possible.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

abdominal massage

What this could lead to

If this works, it could offer a simple, drug-free way to help prevent newborn jaundice.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study (30 babies) testing only whether parents will do the massage and if it's feasible to study. It is not designed to prove the massage prevents jaundice.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Jaundice, Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California-Davis

    Sacramento, California, 95817, United States