When you give birth to your baby, you may not have the energy to think about what happens next. It’s important for your newborn to have her first check with the doctor or midwife.
This is a routine check that every baby has when they’re born so medical professionals can pick up on anything that may need treating. You may be wondering what your baby’s check up will involve. Here are some tests your doctor may perform.
Eye Test
Your doctor may look into your baby’s eyes to see how responsive they are. You may also notice that your doctor shines a small torch into your baby’s eyes.
As a new mother, you may feel protective over your baby and the different tests but it’s just so your doctor can see whether your baby’s eyes are working as they should.
When the torch is shined in your baby’s eyes your doctor will look to see if your baby’s iris shrinks and expands accordingly.
Hearing Test
Your baby will be too small to react to sounds yet. Unlike older children, your baby won’t be able to turn its head in response to sound, so your doctor will use other methods to test your baby’s hearing.
You may notice a nurse or midwife place a small device in your baby’s ears. This device puts a high-pitched frequency into your baby’s ears and registers your baby’s reaction. If the test is inconclusive or there is a problem an audiologist will come to investigate.
The doctor will perform the test while you’re in the hospital with your baby or you’ll be given a later appointment.
Heart Test
They will place your baby under a fluorescent light to keep her warm. Your doctor will need to have your baby undressed to listen to her heart. There may be times when a baby’s heart beat is faster because of the trauma of being born.
There may also be times when a doctor or midwife notices an irregularity or heart murmur. In this instance, a pediatrician may come onto the ward in order to listen to your baby’s heart.
General Appearance
The doctor or midwife may spend some time just looking at your baby’s skin. If your baby’s skin appears slightly yellow, it could be because your baby has jaundice.
It can be quite common in baby’s and midwives recommend plenty of Vitamin D and sunlight. This test will also allow your health provider to identify any birth marks on the skin.
If your doctor notices something concerning, you may be referred to a pediatrician for a second opinion.
Weighing and Measuring
Your doctor will measure and weigh your baby during their first health check. This is to ensure your baby grows adequately and stays on the same percentile throughout their first year.
Measuring your baby’s height, weight and head size at different intervals is a good way to make sure there are no underlying problems.
Don’t worry, your baby is in good hands.