Newborn medical tests to make sure nothing is wrong

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by: Bridget Waters
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Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2011 Time: 10:27 PM
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From the time of birth, the newborn and mother undergo medical examinations. These pages give information on what to expect for:

- After-birth examinations
- Healthcare guidance and postnatal appointments
- Newborns and immunizations

After-birth examinations

Straight after birth when the baby is delivered, the newborn is examined usually in the presence of the mother. The baby is weighed, measured (also head circumference), temperature taken, breathing and heart rate evaluated (for heart murmurs), skin colour monitored, senses and reflexes checked, eye drops administered, and injected with vitamin K to reduce possibility of bleeding.

The head is examined for shape regularity and to see if assistance is needed for molding head shape. The eyes are checked for cataracts and the ears for hearing. The mouth is evaluated for cleft-palate or tongue-tie where the tongue is attached to the bottom of the mouth. Doctors examine the genitals and anus to check for abnormalities that can be treated. Birthmarks are identified, and the fingers and toes are counted. The feet are evaluated for clubbed foot condition and the newborn is also tested for Down Syndrome. Further checks involve urine, the spinal cord and hips.

Healthcare guidance and postnatal appointments

Where the baby is delivered, the parent is usually given help with the first bath and cleaning of the snipped umbilical stump. The home environment and safety is also covered. New parents are usually guided by healthcare providers in how to bath, feed and care for their newborn. The family doctor is alerted if any special care is needed for the mother or newborn.

Usually, the family doctor gives the baby and mother a full examination within twenty four hours after birth. A follow-up appointment is then scheduled thereafter for routine examinations during coming weeks. After about a week, the mother returns to the family doctor for a heel blood test where blood is taken from the baby's heel to test for conditions like sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria enzyme and thyroid deficiency.

The screening tests after birth form part of the baby's medical record and parents can use this during consultations with their family doctor to discuss needs. If there are any complications or suspected conditions, these are discussed with the parent for information and support.

Newborns and Immunizations

Although newborns have antibodies from their mother to prevent infection, the immunity is temporary as they develop their own immunity to fight infections and disease. The first immunization is usually given at birth or after and is for Hepatitis B (HBV). Sometimes the immunization is spread in three doses over two months. There is a standard immunization schedule for newborns, usually specific to the country in which the family live.

Although breast milk, similar to the antibodies transferred from mother to child via the umbilical cord, also contains antibodies to combat allergies or infections, the protection is not enough against viruses such as HBV, therefore the immunization is necessary.

About the Author

One of the medical checks is to do with a hearing aids guide and if in the future you or your child does suffer some form of hearing problem then NHS hearing aids can be of assistance.