Pediatrics Specialist Fatma Işıker, Optimed Hospital shared useful information about the newborn examination process.
“The first 4 weeks (0-28 days) after birth is called the “neonatal period”. The first day, first week and first month of life after birth is the period when the baby needs the help of the environment the most in terms of regulating its adaptation to the external environment and is most sensitive to harmful factors. A healthy newborn is defined as a baby born at the end of the normal gestation period, weighing 2500-4000 g, having good adaptability to the external environment, and not showing signs of disease.
Examination of the newborn
The first examination of the newborn is quite detailed. It is examined in detail whether there is a congenital anomaly, heart sounds, eye and ear examination, body reflexes, muscle strength, whether the umbilical cord falls off and umbilical care, whether the eggs (testes) of male babies descend to their place. Babies who do not have any health problems are treated and weighed, their head circumferences and heights are measured. Vitamin K injections are made and the first examinations are made in terms of congenital diseases and given to the mother. Some blood tests (blood count, blood group, blood sugar levels if necessary) are done.
Hepatitis vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is also given right after birth, while still in the hospital. The second dose will be given by your family doctor and nurse at the age of 1 month.
Hearing test
A hearing screening test should also be done before your baby is discharged from the hospital.
Baby’s first doctor checkup
The newborn is weighed at the first examination, and the head circumference and height are measured again. It is important that you mark and follow your baby’s measurements in the post-natal booklet. Your baby may have lost some weight at the first checkup. This is an expected situation. Do not be alarmed, find out from your doctor whether you are feeding your baby properly and adequately, and how to apply it correctly. Your baby will soon make up for it. Each baby’s growth may be different, the important thing is to progress each month.
Jaundice
One of the most important points is whether your baby is yellow at the first examination. After birth, every baby turns a little yellow. This is due to the load on the baby’s liver as a result of separation from the mother after birth. It is determined and followed by looking at the level of bilirubin in the blood. Too high is dangerous. Babies with high bilirubin levels are followed up at intervals that your doctor deems appropriate, and are treated by hospitalization when necessary.
Hip ultrasound
In addition, hip joints are examined for hip dislocation and hip ultrasound is requested if necessary. Routine hip ultrasound is recommended at the 1st month examination.
