Newborn checks in delivery room

Your baby will examine several times in the first week. The midwife will weight him regularly, and check him daily for any problems or signs of infection. After born, your baby will have several tests and examinations to check that he is healthy and that all is well. Soon after birth a caregiver will perform a general overall check of your baby. This examines your baby's physical appearance, five fingers - five toes etc. and is usually done when the baby is being measured and weighed, in the hour or two after being born. The midwife will weigh your baby and measure his length and the distance around his head. 

Some babies may face challenges after birth. Babies that need special care may be placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is a part of the hospital where babies are cared for using advanced technology and specially trained health care professionals. 

As soon as he(she)’s born, your midwife will carry out some basic checks:

• Assessing his /her color
• His/her breathing
• His/her heart rate
• His/her movements
• His/her crying

General examination in newborn baby

• The doctor measures the head. He/she checks the fontanelle, and feels the roof of the mouth to make sure it is complete.
• He/she listens to the heart and lungs to see if they are normal. Hearts murmurs are common among newborn babies, and do not usually indicate any of defects.
• By putting his/her hands on the baby’s stomach, the doctor checks that the abdominal organs are the right size. He/she also feels the pulses in the baby’s groin. 
• The genitals are checked for abnormality. If you have a boy, the doctor checks both testicles have descended.
• He/she moves the baby’s limbs to see that the lower legs and feet are in alignment and legs are the right length.
• The doctor checks the hips for any dislocation, by bending the baby’s legs up and gently circling them.
• He/she makes sure that all the vertebrae are in place along the spine.
• The doctor checks the baby’s vision and hearing.

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