Baby’s first visit

It’s important for parents to know what to expect from the doctor on their visit for baby right after birth. Apart from checking your baby physically, the doctor/nurse will also ask parents regarding the baby’s sleeping, eating and bowel habits. Parents also will be inquired if they have any doubts regarding their baby’s health.

A few hours after birth, your baby will undergo several tests and examinations to make sure he is healthy and well.

Firstly, Apgar Score, given right after baby’s birth, and then five minutes later. This test examines whether your baby has any urgent problems that require medical support. Most babies are healthy. When intervention is needed, it usually involves oxygen delivery or airway clearance to help your little one breathe.

Soon, your doctor will weigh your baby and measure his head circumference. These measurements will then be included in the immunization record book. This will allow you to follow his progress as he grows up.

Full follow-up for newborns is performed between four and 48 hours after birth. This gives your baby time to adjust to the outside world and allows immediate medical attention in case of a problem, which is rare; detected.

Physical examination of the newborn baby:

1. General Inspection

• Colour: Pink, No cyanosis, No jaundice
• Movement: Active
• Crying: Loud

2. Head Examination

• Scalp: No injuries or bruises
• Size: No growth/ No swellings
• Anterior Fontanelle: Open/ No bulging
• Suture: Not overlapping
• Posterior Fontanelle: Open/ No bulging

3. Eyes

• Clear
• No hemorrhage
• No cataract

4. Ears

• Presence
• No abnormalities

5. Nose

• No polyp
• No abnormalities

6. Mouth

• Cleft mouth
• No bleeding gum
• No premature teeth

7. Neck

• No thyroid swellings
• No growth

8. Hand

• Same length, no paralysis
• 5 fingers on each hand,
• No abnormalities

9. Chest

• No pigeon chest, regular breathing
• No sternum resection

10. Abdomen

• Soft
• No organs enlargement

11. Umbilical

• There is no umbilical hernia

12. External genitalia

• Male / female gender
• If male – testes are down or not down to the scrotum

              (undescended testes)

• If female – no charge / menstruation

                    –  Labia majora covers labia minora

13. Feet

• Same length, no paralysis
• 5 fingers on each foot
• No abnormalities

14. Weight baby

15. Measure the length of the baby

16. Measure baby’s head circumference

17. Respiratory and cardiovascular examination

• For any lungs or heart sounds abnormalities

All newborns will be checked for G6PD and Congenital Hypothyroidism. The blood is drawn from the baby’s cord immediately after birth.

The G6PD screening test is necessary to identify high-risk infants with severe jaundice that could lead to disability or death if prompt treatment is not provided. Congenital Hypothyroidism screening test is performed to detect infants who are likely to have Congenital Hypothyroid. These babies need to start treatment early, preferably within two weeks after birth to prevent cretinism.

Signs of a healthy baby

1. Apgar score 8 and above
2. Pink in color
3. Strong baby sucking
4. After breastfeeding he will sleep if he is full. When hungry, a baby will wake up
5. Baby urinate every 3 to 4 hours
6. Baby passing stool 3-4 times a day. On the first and second day of the stools appear soft and dark green and are called meconium after three days of stools are light yellow because she has begun to breastfeed
7. A baby weighs 120-280 gm weekly after the first week