Paediatric Examination
In the baby's first few days, he
will receive a full paediatric examination (usually from the
hospital paediatrician). Usually this examination takes place in
the hospital before discharge, but it can take place after
discharge.
The examination is a general
examination covering all the baby's body but concentrating on the
heart, eyes and hips. Occasionally, the hips can be dislocated
(Click Hip) and this will require corrective action. This is more
common in girls.
Apgar score
After a baby has been born, they
are assessed to obtain their Apgar score. The following are
assessed on -
- Breathing
- Colour
- Activity
- Heart rate
- Muscle tone
Each one is scored 0-2 after one,
five and ten minutes. This gives a total value out of 10. Most
babies score 7 or over. Babies who score 5 or below are usually
placed on a resusication trolley, where oxygen is given and
suction is used to clear mucus from the air passage. This
treatment usually only lasts a few minutes
Vitamin K
Babies are given a vitamin K
injection (or orally) after birth. Vitamin K is important in
controlling bleeding. Babies have a deficiency in this vitamin,
which helps prevent 'haemorrhagic' - a bleeding disorder which
affects some babies.
Baby Appearance
Newborn babies can often look
different than what you expected, you may notice some
irregularities but don't worry there are certain irregularities
which are normal.
Baby's Skin
Your Baby's skin will probably be
covered in a creamy substance vernix. This protects the
baby in the womb. This substance can be cleaned off or left to
come off gradually. Overdue babies may have dry or cracked skin,
but this will return to normal.
Birthmarks
Many babies have a naevus or
birthmark when born. They are usually found on the eyelids, nose
or neck. They will fade over time. Some babies have Strawberry
marks due to dilated blood vessels.
Port wine stains are visible
from birth and are permanent, although they can now be
successfully treated with laser therapy.
Head Shape
Your baby's head shape may look a
little unusual after birth. This is caused by the pressure on the
head as the baby moves down the birth canal. The baby may also
have a lump if a vacuum delivery used. The baby's head can change
shape because the skull bones are not fully joined and can
overlap. The head will return to it's normal shape within a few
days.
There may be a swelling at the back
of the head - caput or a cyst like swelling -
cephalhaematoma, this may take a few months to disappear.
Baby's Eyes
Most babies have blue-grey eyes
after birth, but the colour can change in the coming weeks and
months. If your baby has any discharge from their eyes, contact
your doctor. When bathing the eyes use cotton wool balls moistened
in cool boiled water. Rub from the inner corner outwards. Use a
different cotton wool ball for each stroke.
Umbilical Cord
When born, the umbilical cord is
still attached to the baby and the placenta. It is clamped and cut
just after birth. A stump is left where the cord was attached to
the baby. This will shrivel and seperate within a week or two. You
should keep this area clean until the stub falls off.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow discolouration
of the skin a few days after birth. This is due to a temporary
buildup of bilirubin in the baby. Normally this is removed by the
baby's liver but a newborn's liver may not be able to do this
effectively. Babies are usually treated with phototherapy (special
lights).
note: Jaundice with 24 hours
of birth is abnormal and if you notice a yellow discolouration you
should tell your doctor/midwife/nurse straight away.
Bowel Movement
Newborn babies usually pass small
amounts of urine after birth, they may also have a bowel movement
within 24 hours of birth. Baby's first bowel movement consists of
a green-black substance called meconium.
Weight Loss
Babies usually lose up to 10% of
their birth weight in the first few days. They usually regain
their weight within two weeks.
Blood Tests
All babies have a blood sample
taken in their first few days. This is taken using a heel prick
and is used for the Guthrie test. This is used to screen
for metabolic disorders including PKU (Phenylketonuria).
Baby Swimwear
