Newborn physical examination

At birth, your baby will have already received an initial physical examination carried out by the midwife. A more detailed physical examination of your baby is then offered to you.

Your baby’s physical examination is a screening test which will be carried out by either a Paediatrician or a midwife who has been appropriately trained. Two physical examinations are done; the 1st one within 72 hours of birth which is usually performed in hospital. The 2nd physical examination is performed when your baby is 6-8 weeks old.

An overall physical examination is included in both examinations – the examiner will check your baby’s spine, ensure your baby’s digits are all present and look for any skin tags. In addition, 4 specific screening examinations will be carried out which include checking your baby’s:-

	Eyes Vision is not being checked for but the Examiner will look into your baby’s eyes using an ophthalmoscope to look for any irregularities such as cataract and other conditions and to ensure your baby has a red reflex. Approximately 2-3:10,000 babies require treatment due to a problem with their eyes.
	Heart Congenital heart disease covers a wide variety of problems. 1:200 babies have a heart problem of some kind. The Examiner will observe your baby, feel his/her pulses and listen to your baby’s heart with a stethoscope.
	Hips Developmental dysplasia of the hips (you may have heard this referred to as ‘clicky’ hips) occurs when your baby’s hip joint has not properly formed. This occurs in 1-2:1000 babies. If left untreated it can cause joint problems later in life. The Examiner will examine your baby’s hips.

Testes in boys

The Examiner will examine your baby boy to ensure that both his testes can be felt and that they are in the right place. Sometimes it can take a number of months for the testes to descend into the scrotum by themselves. However if this has not happened by the time your baby is a year old, then an operation may be advised. 1:100 baby boys have problems with their testes that require an operation.

When and where will your baby’s physical examination take place?

Once you are transferred to the Hotel or Postnatal Ward you will be informed about the date and time of your baby’s physical examination. If you are staying in the Hotel, it will be carried out in your room. If you are staying on one of the Postnatal Wards, then a member of staff will escort you, your partner and your baby to the allocated room where your baby’s newborn physical examination will be carried out. However, there are times when your baby’s newborn physical examination will be carried out by your bedside, for example if you have had a caesarean section.

In some cases you may leave hospital before your baby has had their newborn physical examination. If this is the case, then it will be performed either at your home or your local Health Centre. Further advice will be given to you by your community midwife.

During and after your baby’s physical examination

The Examiner will inform you about what he/she is doing and is happy to answer any questions you may have. After the examination, the Examiner will report their findings to you and document them in your baby’s Child health Record (red book).

What happens if your baby’s newborn physical examination highlights a problem?

If any concerns arise during your baby’s newborn physical examination then the Examiner will discuss these with you and make the necessary referral to the appropriate specialist.

Website you may find useful

www.screening.nhs.uk

Page created and maintained by Paula Booker (Midwife).