Your baby will get his or her first official check up within 24-hours of birth. Generally this takes place while you are still in the hospital (if you had a hospital birth). If you are up to it, you can ask to be present, and it will be interesting to learn all about your baby’s tiny body.
What occurs at this check up and what is your baby’s doctor observing?
General Health
Your doctor will first assess your baby’s general health. Was your baby full term or pre-term? Does your baby have good muscle tone and can lay in the “frog” position? Is your baby alert and active or lethargic? Is your baby pink and breathing normally?
Head
Does your baby have a normal shape to the head? When first born, a baby’s head may be slightly cone shaped from passing through the birth canal. Are the soft spots (fontanels) soft and flat with no bulges? What is the size of your baby’s head and is the circumference in proportion to your baby’s height and weight?
Eyes
Does your baby have eyes of normal size? Are there any internal eye problems or cataracts in your baby’s eyes? Typically, there may be a few ruptured blood vessels in your baby’s eyes, due to the birth process. These will clear up in a few weeks. If your baby’s eyes are too puffy for a good look, your baby’s doctor may need to wait a few days for a more thorough examination.
Nose and Mouth
Your baby’s doctor will examine your baby’s nose to make sure that the nasal passages are wide enough to allow good air flow and that there are no obstructions in the nose that might interfere with breathing.
We aren’t done with baby’s first exam just yet. Check back for the next post!
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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