Physical examination of newborns is a routine medical procedure that is important for every doctor or midwife. This aims to ensure whether the newborn is in good health or has physical abnormalities or health problems.
The physical examination of newborns is usually carried out on the first day the baby is born. The examinations carried out included examination of vital signs (heart rate, body temperature, and respiration), length and weight, as well as the baby's organs.
If from this physical examination it turns out that certain abnormalities or diseases are detected in the baby, the doctor or midwife will immediately carry out further examinations and treatments to overcome these conditions.
Anything Newborn Physical Examination?
The following are several types of physical examinations of newborns that a doctor or midwife can do:
1. Apgar Check
Apgar Examination or Apgar score This can be done immediately after the baby is born. This examination includes examination of the skin color, heart rate, reflexes and muscle strength, as well as the baby's breathing. Apgar score classified as good if the value is more than 7.
2. Age check gstationary, head circumference, and bclose bada
Gestational age examination was carried out using new Ballard score, with the aim of knowing whether the baby was born prematurely or at term.
3. Anthropometric examination
This examination includes calculating the baby's weight, length, head circumference, head shape, neck, eyes, nose and ears. This examination is important to detect whether there are abnormalities in the shape of the head or limbs of the newborn.
4. Inspection mmouth
The next physical examination of the newborn is an oral examination, which includes examination of the gums and palate. This examination is important to detect abnormalities, such as cleft lip.
5. Inspection jantung dan lungs
In this examination, the doctor will use a stethoscope to determine whether the baby's heartbeat and sounds are normal or otherwise. Likewise with a pulmonary examination, the doctor will check the respiratory rate, breathing pattern, and evaluate the baby's respiratory function.
6. Abdominal and genital examination
Examination of the baby's abdomen includes the shape, circumference of the abdomen, and examination of the organs in the stomach such as the liver, stomach, and intestines to the anus. Examination of the baby's umbilical cord is also included in this physical examination.
While on the examination of the genital organs, the doctor will make sure the urinary tract is open and in the right location. The doctor will also evaluate the testicles in the scrotum, as well as the shape of the labia and the discharge from the baby's vagina.
7. Inspection trepeat bback
This is also one of the important physical examinations of newborns. The goal is to find out if your baby has a disorder, such as spina bifida or a neural tube defect.
8. Inspection tdreams and feet
The doctor will check the pulse in each arm of the baby, and make sure the hands and feet can move optimally and have a normal size and number of fingers.
9. Hearing check
Hearing examination aims to detect the presence or absence of hearing loss. To find this out, the doctor will use a tool in the form of: otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or automated auditory brainstem response (AABR).
10. Congenital hypothyroid examination
This examination aims to detect whether the baby has congenital hypothyroidism. This examination is done when the baby is 48–72 hours old with blood sampling to check hormone levels thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
In addition to the physical examination of the newborn, the doctor or midwife will also perform treatment. Usually the baby will be given eye drops or ointment to prevent infection. Babies should also have their first shot of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, as well as a shot of vitamin K to prevent bleeding.
After a physical examination of the newborn, the doctor and midwife will recommend a follow-up physical examination when the baby is around 6–8 weeks old. Do not hesitate to ask the doctor about the results of the examination, so that you can find out the health condition of your baby.
