Medical Care and Your Newborn (for Parents) — Print

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You'll see your baby's doctor often during your little one's rst year. Here's what to expect
right after your baby arrives.

What Happens Right After Birth?

Your baby's rst exam will either happen in the nursery or at your side. It includes:

measuring weight, length, and head circumference

taking your baby's temperature
measuring your baby's breathing and heart rate
watching skin color and your newborn's activity
giving eye drops or ointment to prevent eye infections
giving a vitamin K shot to prevent the possibility of bleeding

Your baby will get a rst bath, and the umbilical cord stump will be cleaned. Most hospitals
and birthing centers give information to new parents on feeding, bathing, and other
important parts of newborn care.

What Happens When the Doctor Visits?

The hospital or birth center where you deliver will notify your child's doctor of the birth. A
pediatrician or your baby's doctor will be standing by to take care of the baby if:

you had any medical problems during pregnancy

your baby might have a medical problem
you have a C-section

The doctor you chose for your newborn will examine your baby within 24 hours of birth. This
is a good time to ask questions about your baby's care.

A sample of your baby's blood (usually done by pricking the baby's heel) will be screened for
some diseases. It's important to diagnose these at birth so treatment can begin right away.
What Happens at the First O ce Visit?

Your newborn will have an exam at the doctor's o ce within 3 to 5 days of birth. During the
rst o ce visit, your doctor will check your baby in a few ways. Your doctor will probably:

measure weight, length, and head circumference

observe your newborn's vision, hearing, and re exes
do a complete physical exam
ask how you're doing with the new baby and how your baby is eating and sleeping
talk about what you can expect in the coming month
discuss your home environment and how it could affect your baby (for example,
smoking in the house can harm your baby's health in many ways)

You also might talk about the results of the screening tests done right after birth, if they're
ready. Jot down any instructions about special baby care, and bring up your questions or
concerns. Keep a medical record for your baby that includes information about growth,
immunizations, medicines, and any problems or illnesses.

What About Vaccines?

A baby is born with some natural immunity against infectious diseases. That's because the
mother's infection-preventing antibodies are passed through the umbilical cord. This
immunity is temporary. But babies will develop their own immunity against many infectious
diseases. For instance, breastfed babies get antibodies and enzymes in breast milk that
help protect them from some infections and even some allergic conditions.

Infants should get their rst shot of the hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital within 24 hours of
birth. Babies will get more vaccines in the coming months based on a standard
immunization schedule.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call your doctor if you have concerns about your newborn. These problems can be common
during this rst month:

One or both tear ducts can get blocked and cause eye problems. Normally the ducts
open on their own before too long, usually by the baby's rst birthday. But sometimes
 they stay clogged, which can cause tearing and eye discharge. Call your doctor if you
suspect an eye infection.
Fever in a newborn (rectal temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C) should be reported to
your doctor right away.
A runny nose can make it hard for a baby to breathe well, especially during feeding.
You can help ease discomfort by using a rubber bulb aspirator to gently suction mucus
from the nose. Call your doctor if you have concerns about your baby's breathing.
It's normal for newborns to have loose stools (poop) or to spit up after feedings. But
very loose and watery stools and forceful vomiting could mean there is a problem. Call
your doctor if your baby:

Date reviewed: October 2018