How will babies be screened?

When the baby is born, the pediatrician will conduct examinations to check the general and detect abnormalities (if any) of the baby. So what are those solutions? Let's find out with aFamilyToday Health through this article.

Examination head

The doctor will look at the shape of the baby's head. Distorted or molded heads are a very common feature among babies. This is caused by the baby's passage through the mother's vagina, and doctors will have to check for signs that go away or change within 48 hours.

If you get help with a forcep or suction cup, a small bruise will appear on the baby's head. This is a minor complication, but these bruises are reversible and parents can be assured of this.

Check your ears and eyes

The doctor will look into the baby's eyes to check if there is a problem. During the full examination, the doctor will use a dedicated projector lamp to watch your baby's eyes for "red spots". This is like the red-eye effect from flash photography. If a "red spot" is found, the cataract can be ruled out.

Your baby will also have a hearing test after birth through an exercise called AOAE (Automated Otoacoustic Emission).

Oral test

The doctor will put a finger in your baby's mouth to check if your palate is full and that your baby's sucking reflex is working. If your baby has a gap in the palate, also known as a cleft palate, he will need surgery.

The doctor can also check the baby's tongue for abnormalities such as short tongue brakes, where the baby's tongue is still anchored to the bottom of the mouth and limited movement. The doctor can only do a more in-depth examination if your baby has persistent problems related to breastfeeding.

Heart test

The doctor will listen to your baby's heart with a stethoscope to rule out unusual sounds (blowing sounds) or abnormal heart rhythms (too fast or too slow for age). This is common in the first few days, as your baby's circulation has undergone a big change when he is born. In addition, the doctor will remove the baby's femoral artery to make sure the baby's blood circulation system is well circulated.

Lung examination

The doctor will listen to your baby's breathing and lung function through the stethoscope. The goal is to check for normal ventilation of the lungs.

Examination of the genitals

Your baby's genitals may appear swollen and dark in color because they were exposed to your hormones before birth. These hormones can also cause your baby to have gynecomastia, regardless of whether he is a boy or a girl. Girls may experience vaginal bleeding, or white bleeding in the first few weeks from these hormones.

Doctors will also check to see if the baby's anus or urethra are present to ensure proper hygiene activities.

Skin examination

Your baby will be examined for birthmarks, including:

Storks (red or pink flat spots that usually appear under the child's eyelids, neck or forehead);

Mongolian blotch / birthmark (grayish-green or bruised color that usually appears on the lower back, buttocks, or limbs);

The birthmark is strawberry-colored (red raised area).

Examine your hands and feet

The doctor will examine the baby's hands, feet, and hands. Your baby's fingers and toes will be counted and checked for membrane between the fingers. The doctor will also check to see if the baby's palm is pointing or not. Approximately 10% of the population has 1 arm and 5% of the population has both hands.

Scientists found an association between having a single palm in the palm of the hand and Down syndrome . However, if your baby has Down syndrome, other signs will be more pronounced. The doctor will also check the baby's legs for defects like clubfoot.

Examination of the spine

Your baby's spine will be assessed for curvature. Sometimes there will be a dent in the middle of the baby's spine, however, doctors have yet to find an association of this sign with any illness.