What does your baby’s doctor need to examine for the first check up? We have been going through the different areas of that first examination and talking about your baby’s healthy body.
Chest
Your baby’s doctor will listen for a while to your baby’s chest. First of all, the doctor is checking the heart beat to make sure that there are no abnormal sounds or beats and that the rhythm of the heart is just right. Possible structural problems may be evident when listening to the heart.
The lungs also get a good checkup, as your baby’s doctor makes sure that there is air entering and leaving the lungs properly.
Abdomen
You’ll be able to see your doctor examine your baby’s abdomen by gently feeling around. There are many organs in this area, and being hands on allows your doctor to check for size and position of the kidneys, spleen and liver. Your baby’s doctor also check to make sure that there are no abnormal growths that present in the abdomen.
Genitalia & Anus
Both boys and girls will have their eternal genitalia checked for abnormalities. In a girl, the doctor checks to make sure that the vaginal opening is normal. In a boy, the doctor will check to make sure that both testicles are descended. Hernias are possible in a baby, so your baby’s doctor will be looking for this as well.
When the pediatrician places a finger on your baby’s groin, it is to check your baby’s pulse. There are large arteries in that area and they can tell your doctor if a certain heart vessel is large enough and doing its job.
Your baby’s anus will be examined to make sure that it is open and in the right place. Your baby’s doctor will also want to know if any stool has been passed.
Thanks to The Baby Book by Dr. William and Martha Sears, where some of the information for this post was researched and confirmed. Check back again for the rest of the first check up.
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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