The Newborn Check

What we know

In the first 72 hours after your baby is born they will be physically examined by doctors or midwives to check for any issues.

This will usually take place in hospital after you have given birth and preferably both parents will be there for it. If you give birth at home, a midwife or health visitor will carry out the check.

The person carrying out the newborn physical examination will explain clearly to you what is happening and of course, you can ask questions or tell them any concerns you have.

It is important any problems with your baby’s health are picked up early. However, while this check is recommended, it is not compulsory.

What does it involve?

Whoever is carrying out the examination will ask you how your baby is feeding and sleeping and if you have noticed anything which worries you.

Your baby will need to be undressed for some of the check as their heart and pulse rate will be listened to.

It should not cause your baby any discomfort. You will be told straight away if your baby needs to be referred for more tests. The results will be recorded in your baby’s Red Book which you will need to take to every medical appointment you attend.

Heart

It is important your baby’s heart is checked in the first days after they are born. A heart murmur could be picked up at this point but this does not always indicate that there is a problem with the heart.

In 1 in 200 cases a baby may have a heart problem which needs treating, according to the NHS.

Hips

Your baby’s hips will be checked for developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH) which can lead to issues later in life.

If a problem is suspected you may be advised to book an ultrasound before your baby is 6 weeks which will show for certain if it is unstable.

If your baby was in the breech position in the womb or was born breech they may be at higher risk of DDH. This is also the case if you have twins because they may have had less room to stretch out during the pregnancy. Twins will be given ultrasounds before they are 6 weeks old.

Eyes

The movement and appearance of your baby’s eyes will be checked. They will also be looked at in case of cataracts.

The NHS says that 2 or 3 in 10,000 babies have a problem with their eyes.

Testicles

If you have had a boy a health professional will check that their testicles have descended into their scrotum.

In some cases it may take a few months after the birth for your baby’s testicles to drop. In 1 in 100 cases they may not descend properly, or at all. This will need to be treated in order to prevent potential problems with fertility later in life.

Hearing

If you give birth in hospital you may be offered a hearing test for your baby. This is called automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) test and it only takes a few minutes. This is separate from the checks already outlined.

Gentle clicking sounds are played in your baby’s ears to get a response which is detected by a microphone within the earpiece.

The earpiece will show a result of ‘pass’ or ‘refer’. Most babies pass but around 2% of babies are referred for more assessment.

Heel prick test

Your baby will also be given a heel prick test which involves taking droplets of blood from their heels to screen for 9 health conditions. These conditions, which include sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis, are serious but rare.

This test is usually carried out on day five by a midwife or health visitor. The blood samples are squeezed on to a card which is then sent off for analysis. The test may cause your baby some mild discomfort but it is very quick.

You should receive the results in the post by the time your baby is 6-8 weeks old.

6-8 weeks check

You will be advised to book an appointment with your GP at 6-8 weeks where they will again check your baby’s heart, eyes, hips and testicles (for a boy). The reason for this second check is because some conditions can take a while to develop.

More information

This list may leave you feeling like your baby will be having a lot of checks but they are all very quick and are important for the potential diagnosis of very rare health conditions. None of them are compulsory but are highly recommended as they could save your baby’s life.

Always ask a midwife, health visitor or GP if you have any questions or concerns.