EXAMINATION OF NEWBORN

 

AIMS OF THE EXAMINATION:

• Improve health outcomes

• Safe & effective assessments

• Family centred early intervention

 

WHY DO IT?

• To detect abnormalities

• To arrange follow-up

• To reassure parents /counsel

 

WHO SHOULD PERFORM IT?

• Paediatric/Neonatal team

• By Trained Midwives

 

WHEN TO DO THE EXAMINATION?

• It is done <72 hrs of birth

 

PREPARATION FOR THE EXAMINATION

Maternal Details

• Serology/scans

• Maternal blood group

• Maternal Medical History  & Previous pregnancies

 

Labour Details

• Risk factors

• Antibiotics

 

Birth details

• Explore any family history

• Baby feeding? / passed meconium/urine?

• Any other queries?

 

Treat and advise:

• Answering their queries

• Information leaflets

• Complete record book.

 

MAKE A NOTE OF FOLLOWING VITALS-

Behaviour /Activity of newborn.

• Cry:  normal ,weak, high pitched

• Any dysmorphic features (but check parents!)

• Skin deformities.

 

Vitals of Normal Baby.

• Heart Rate : 120-160/min

• Respiratory Rate: 40-60/min

• Temperature: 36.5-37.5 C

 

Growth

• Weight

• Head circumference

• Length

 

Head:

• Shape:  flattening, moulding, swellings

• Fontanelle – anterior & posterior

• Sutures

• Head Circumference

   

Limbs

• Digit deformities

• Hand crease

• Circulation and pulsations including Femoral pulsations

 

READ PART 2 OF THIS ARTICLE FOR MORE.