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Newborn 1 week check up


Baby's Checkup Schedule

Even babies who are perfectly healthy go to the doctor a lot. That’s because the first two years are a crucial time in baby’s growth and development, and your doctor will want to keep close tabs on your baby’s progress. Some  pediatricians’ schedules will vary slightly, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies get checkups at birth, 3 to 5 days after birth and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months. Here’s what will likely happen at each of them.

At Every Appointment, Starting at Birth

A pediatrician should examine baby in the hospital within 24 hours of birth. “We do a full exam, looking for normal body function. We look for basic newborn reflexes, skin tone, alertness and hip stability,” says Anita Chandra-Puri, MD, a pediatrician at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group in Chicago and a spokeswoman for the AAP. This is to make sure that baby is looking healthy and responding well. Here’s what else to expect during the first checkup — and each one thereafter too:

Taking measurements: The doctor will always measure baby’s length (which later will be referred to as his height), weight and head circumference. These measurements will be recorded on a growth chart, so you’ll be able to see how  baby compares to other infants his age to make sure there are no signs of problems.

Developmental surveillance: At most visits, the doctor will also gauge whether baby’s development is on track. They’ll make observations of your child’s behaviors, ask you about baby’s milestones (like sitting up and rolling over) typical to his age at the time and ask you if you have any concerns.

Psychosocial/Behavioral assessment: Some of the questions the doctor will ask will be about baby’s behavior, and they’ll also observe the child’s actions and reactions. This helps rule out psychological or behavioral issues.

Physical exam: Baby will get a head-to-toe exam from the doctor at each visit too — ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, hips and legs, and genitalia will all get examined to be sure they look healthy. In the beginning, the doctor will check the soft spots on baby’s head (fontanels), which typically disappear within 12 to 18 months when the skull bones fuse together. They’ll also check the shape of baby’s head to make sure it’s rounding out nicely.

Also at Birth

Hearing screening: The pediatrician will make sure baby’s hearing is A-OK. There are two different tests for this: otoacoustic emission (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR). The OAE test involves placing a mini earphone and microphone in baby’s ear to measure sound reflection in the ear canal. For the ABR test, electrodes are placed on baby’s head to measure how the hearing nerve responds to sound. Both tests can detect hearing loss.

Newborn metabolic/hemoglobin screening: Baby will need to have a blood test — drawn from her heel — between birth and her two-month birthday. “The metabolic screening checks for sickle-cell disease, hypothyroidism or other inherited disorders,” says Chandra-Puri.

Immunizations: Baby will receive a hepatitis B shot at birth too.

3 to 5 Days After Birth

Your pediatrician will likely ask to see baby sometime in his first week to make sure everything still seems to be going well. The doctor will measure baby to make sure his growth is on track (and he’s eating enough), observe his development and behavior, and perform another physical exam. If your baby hasn’t gone through a metabolic/hemoglobin screening yet, he will at this appointment.

1 Month

At baby’s one-month visit, your pediatrician will do all the basics — take measurements, do developmental surveillance, conduct a psychosocial/behavioral assessment and perform a physical exam. Here are other things baby could potentially get:

Tuberculosis test: Your pediatrician may test baby for tuberculosis (TB), an airborne infection that can cause fevers, a persistent cough, heavy and fast breathing, swollen glands, night sweats, weight loss and poor growth. The test involves your doctor injecting an inactive strain of TB into the skin of baby’s arm. If your infant tests positive, redness and swelling will appear at the site of the injection about 48 to 72 hours later.

Immunizations: Baby will get a second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at either the one-month or two-month checkup.

2 Months

During the two-month visit, your doctor will examine the basics as usual — measurements, development, behavior and baby’s body. The only difference is that this time, baby will get a heck of a lot of shots!

Immunizations: Baby will get a second dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine if she didn’t get it at last month’s checkup. She’ll also get the rotavirus vaccine (RV) in two to three doses between the ages of two months and six months (depending on the brand of vaccine), the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP), the Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Hib), the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) and the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Luckily, doctors can combine some shots so there’s less pricking and hopefully less crying.

4 Months

Baby’s getting bigger! He’s four months old now, and it’s time for another appointment. At baby’s four-month checkup, expect the standard procedures — measuring baby, developmental, psychosocial and behavioral observations, and a physical exam. Also, expect baby to get:

Hematocrit or hemoglobin screening: Your infant may receive this blood screening that helps indicate anemia.

Immunizations: Baby will receive second doses of RV, DTaP, Hib, PCV and IPV.

6 Months

Around baby’s half birthday, her exam will include all the usual stuff, plus:

Immunizations: Baby will receive RV (may be needed; check with your pediatrician), third doses of DTaP, PCV and possibly Hib. Baby will need a third dose of IPV between the ages of 6 months and 18 months. Baby can receive the final hepatitis B dosage between now and age 18 months. Also, if this appointment falls during flu season, consider getting baby the influenza vaccine (flu shot). It’s recommended yearly for children between the ages of 6 months and 19 years old.

Other tests your doctor may do: Baby may get a lead screening to make sure she hasn’t been exposed to dangerous levels of lead, which can affect her developmental and behavioral growth. The doctor also may give baby a tuberculosis test and check her oral health — she may have her first tooth by now!

9 Months

At this doctor’s appointment, expect the same procedures — taking and recording measurements, a psychosocial and behavioral assessment, and a physical examination. Plus:

Development screening: This is a more formal developmental test than baby’s had before. The doctor will ask you a series of questions about baby’s growth and behavior, and also may ask you to play with him during the screening to see how he behaves and moves. The intent is to see if baby is learning basic skills at a normal rate. The results will determine whether baby should receive more testing for developmental delays. Your child may receive these screenings more frequently if he’s at a higher risk for developmental problems because of preterm birth or low birth weight, or has a sibling who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Immunizations: Baby may receive the final hepatitis B dosage if he hasn’t yet. Baby may also get a third dose of the IPV if he didn’t get it at the last checkup.

Other tests your doctor may do: The pediatrician may check baby’s oral health.

12 Months

Baby will celebrate her first birthday with another trip to the pediatrician. This is like any normal visit, with your doctor taking measurements, observing baby’s development and behavior, and performing a physical exam. Baby will also have a hematocrit or hemoglobin screening. And she’ll get another slew of vaccines:

Immunizations: Baby will get her final hepatitis B dosage (if she hasn’t gotten it yet), possibly the third or fourth dose of Hib between now and 15 months, a fourth dose of PCV between now and 15 months, a third dose of IPV (if she hasn’t gotten it yet), a first dose of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) between now and 15 months, the varicella vaccine between now and 15 months, and one dose of the hepatitis A vaccine between now and 23 months (baby will need another dose six months after the first).

Other tests your doctor may do: Baby may get a lead screening, a TB test or an oral health examination.

15 Months

As usual, baby will be measured, checked for developmental growth and any behavioral problems, and will get a physical examination.

Immunizations: If baby hasn’t received these doses yet, he’ll need hepatitis B, Hib, PCV, IPV, MMR, varicella and hepatitis A. Baby will need to get his fourth dose of DTaP between now and 18 months.

18 Months

Your doctor will perform the regular checkup procedures at the 18-month visit, along with:

Autism screening: The doctor will check for signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), a group of developmental disorders that can affect a child’s behavior, social skills and communication skills. “We normally give the autism screening between one and two years old,” says Chandra-Puri. “We’re looking at baby’s reaction to certain things. I also observe the child by asking her parents various questions. ” If your child does show signs of an ASD, your doctor will recommend services or programs that can help with her development.

Immunizations: More doses for hepatitis B, DTaP, IPV and hepatitis A if baby hasn’t received them yet.

Other tests your doctor may do: Your baby’s pediatrician may give her a hematocrit or hemoglobin test to check for anemia, a lead screening, a TB test or an oral health examination.

24 Months

Happy second birthday! Your two-year-old will go through the same checkup procedures as usual — he’ll be measured, undergo a developmental surveillance, a psychosocial/behavioral assessment and an autism screening, and he’ll get a physical exam. Plus, expect:

Immunizations: It’s recommended that high-risk children between the ages of 2 and 10 years old receive two doses of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) within eight weeks of each other.

Other tests your doctor may do: Your baby’s doctor may give him a hematocrit or hemoglobin screening, a lead screening, a TB test or an oral health examination. Another possibility is a dyslipidemia screening, which tests for signs of a lipid disorder. It’s done through a blood test.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Vaccinations: What Baby Will Need

Tool: Vaccine Tracker

10 Weird (But Totally Normal) Things About Your Newborn

Your Child's Checkup: 3 to 5 Days (for Parents)

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD

en español La revisión de su hijo: 3 a 5 días

What to Expect During This Visit

The doctor and/or nurse will probably:

1. Check your baby's weight, length, and head circumference and plot the measurements on a growth chart.

2. Ask questions, address any concerns, and offer advice about how your baby is:

Feeding. Newborns should be fed whenever they seem hungry. Breastfed infants eat about every 1–3 hours, and formula-fed infants eat about every 2–4 hours. Your doctor or nurse can watch as you breastfeed and offer help with any problems. Burp your baby midway through a feeding and again at the end.

Peeing and pooping. Newborns should have about 6 wet diapers a day. The number of poopy diapers varies, but most newborns have 3 or 4 soft bowel movements a day. Tell your doctor if you have any concerns about your newborn's bowel movements.

Sleeping. A newborn may sleep 14 to 17 hours or more in 24 hours, waking up often (day and night) to breastfeed or take a bottle. Breastfed babies usually wake to eat every 1–3 hours, while formula-fed babies may sleep longer, waking every 2–4 hours to eat (formula takes longer to digest so babies feel fuller longer). Newborns should not sleep more than 4 hours between feedings until they have good weight gain, usually within the first few weeks. After that, it's OK if a baby sleeps for longer stretches.

Developing. In the first month, babies should:

  • pay attention to faces or bright objects 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) away
  • respond to sound — they may quiet down, blink, turn head, startle, or cry
  • hold arms and legs in a flexed position
  • move arms and legs equally
  • lift head briefly when on stomach (babies should be placed on the stomach only while awake and under supervision)
  • have strong newborn reflexes, such as:
    • rooting and sucking: turns toward, then sucks breast/bottle nipple
    • grasp: tightly grabs hold of a finger placed within the palm
    • fencer's pose: straightens arm when head is turned to that side and bends opposite arm
    • Moro reflex (startle response): throws out arms and legs, then curls them in when startled

3. Do an exam with your baby undressed with you present. This exam will include an eye exam, listening to your baby's heart and feeling pulses, inspecting the umbilical cord, and checking the hips.

4. Do screening tests. Your doctor will review the screening tests from the hospital and repeat tests, if needed. If a hearing test wasn't done then, your baby will have one now.

5. Update immunizations. Immunizations can protect infants from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your baby get them on time. Immunization schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.

Looking Ahead

Here are some things to keep in mind until your next routine visit at 1 month:

Feeding
  1. Continue to feed whenever your baby is hungry. Pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from the nipple or bottle and closing the mouth.
  2. Don't give solid foods or juice.
  3. Don't put cereal in your baby's bottle unless directed to by your doctor.
  4. If you breastfeed:
    • Help your baby latch on correctly: mouth opened wide, tongue down, with as much breast in the mouth as possible.
    • Continue to take a prenatal vitamin or multivitamin daily.
    • Ask your doctor about vitamin D drops for your baby.
    • Don't use a bottle or pacifier until nursing is well established (usually about 1 month).
  5. If you formula-feed:
    • Give your baby iron-fortified formula.
    • Follow the formula package's instructions when making and storing bottles.
    • Don't prop bottles or put your baby to bed with a bottle.
    • Talk to your doctor before switching formulas.
Routine Care
  1. Wash your hands before handling the baby and avoid people who may be sick.
  2. Keep the diaper below the umbilical cord so the stump can dry. The umbilical cord usually falls off in 10–14 days.
  3. For circumcised boys, put petroleum jelly on the penis or diaper's front.
  4. Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off and a boy's circumcision heals. Make sure the water isn't too hot — test it with your wrist first.
  5. Use fragrance-free soaps and lotions.
  6. Hold your baby and be attentive to their needs. You can't spoil a newborn.
  7. Sing, talk, and read to your baby. Babies learn best by interacting with people.
  8. It's normal for infants to have fussy periods. But for some, crying can be excessive, lasting several hours a day. If an otherwise well baby develops colic, it usually starts when they’re around 3 weeks old.
  9. Call your baby's doctor if your infant has a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, taken in your baby’s bottom. Call the doctor if your baby is acting sick, isn't eating, isn't peeing or  pooping, looks yellow, or has increasing redness or pus around umbilical cord or circumcision. Don't give medicine to an infant younger than 2 months old without talking to your doctor first.
  10. It's common for new moms to feel tired and overwhelmed at times. But if these feelings are intense, or you feel sad, moody, or anxious, call your doctor.
  11. Talk to your doctor if you're worried about your living situation. Do you have the things that you need to take care of your baby? Do you have enough food, a safe place to live, and health insurance? Your doctor can tell you about community resources or refer you to a social worker.
Safety
  1. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS):
    • Always place your baby to sleep on a firm, flat mattress on their back, and not on the stomach or side, in a crib or bassinet without any crib bumpers, blankets, quilts, pillows, or plush toys.
    • Breastfeed your baby, if possible.
    • Let your baby sleep in your room in a bassinet or crib next to the bed until your baby's first birthday, or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS is highest.
    • Avoid overheating by keeping the room temperature comfortable. Dress your baby for the room temperature and don't overbundle. Don't cover your baby's head while they're sleeping. Watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
    • Consider putting your baby to sleep sucking on a pacifier. If your baby rejects the pacifier, don't force it. If the pacifier falls out during sleep, you don't have to replace it. If you're breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is established before introducing the pacifier.
    • Don’t let your baby fall asleep on a product that isn’t specifically designed for sleeping babies, such as a sitting device (like a car seat), a feeding pillow (like the Boppy pillow), or an infant lounger (like the Dock-a-Tot, Podster, and Bummzie).
    • Don’t use products or devices that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners (like wedges or incliners) or monitors that can detect a baby’s heart rate and breathing pattern. No known products can actually do this.
    • Make sure that all sleep surfaces and products you use to help your baby sleep have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
  2. Don't smoke or use e-cigarettes. Don't let anyone else smoke or vape around your baby.
  3. Always put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Never leave your baby alone in a car.
  4. While your baby is awake, don't leave your little one unattended, especially on high surfaces or in the bath.
  5. Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you are ever worried that you will hurt your baby, put your baby in the crib or bassinet for a few minutes. Call a friend, relative, or your health care provider for help.
  6. Avoid sun exposure by keeping your baby covered and in the shade when possible. Sunscreens are not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. However, you may use a small amount of sunscreen on an infant younger than 6 months if shade and clothing don't offer enough protection.

These checkup sheets are consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/Bright Futures guidelines.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD

Date reviewed: July 2022

Comprehensive medical examination of a child at 1 month

During the first month of life, a baby needs constant monitoring. This allows you to detect any disturbances in the body, after which you can prescribe therapy in a timely manner. When the mother and baby are discharged from the maternity hospital, the child is examined at home by a pediatrician and a nurse. During the visit, the doctor examines the child, the umbilical wound, reflexes and explains how to care for the newborn. When the baby turns one month old, the child must undergo his first major medical examination (pediatrician and subspecialists).

What you need to know about documentation

Immediately after the baby is born, he is examined by a pediatrician, neurologist, neonatologist. This is a must for all children. At this stage of life, medical professionals focus on the level of reflexes and skills of the newborn.

For the first appointment with a pediatrician, a mother must provide an extract from which the doctor will receive information:

  • information about the woman in labor - how her pregnancy went, were there any complications during gestation, features of labor activity. It is indicated what methods were used to alleviate the condition of the woman in labor, whether there was a caesarean section or an episiotomy, whether pain relief was used;
  • information about the baby - the document indicates the day, month, year and time of birth, height and weight measurements, Apgar scores that were used in the delivery room. It is indicated whether the child was placed on the mother's breast, in what condition he was for several hours after the birth;
  • is indicated in the map, how the baby developed and how he behaved in the conditions of a medical institution, how much weight he lost, how much he gained, his growth indicators. The state of the umbilical wound is indicated when the umbilical cord fell off exactly (if it happened in the maternity hospital)
  • in these documents it is noted whether the baby was vaccinated, whether the parents refused to vaccinate. Lists the number and lot of the vaccine used to administer to the infant. If vaccination was not carried out, the reasons for its absence must be listed;
  • the documentation lists laboratory tests, blood test indicators. Be sure to indicate if there is a Rh conflict between mother and child;
  • in the presence of additional examinations, for example, an ultrasound examination, all results are recorded in the card. Information is also written here about whether there were consultations of narrow specialists, whether there are recommendations or appointments of narrow specialists;

All this documentation must be handed over to the paediatrician. He, along with a nurse, will monitor the condition of the newborn after he is discharged.

Features of the development of a newborn

During the first month, young parents learn to live with their child and take care of him. Mom and dad learn to bathe the baby, a breastfeeding or formula feeding regimen is developed, and sleep is getting better. Mom's body gradually begins to return to normal.

In a month the child already knows how to lie on his tummy for a short time, starts to focus his eyes on the face of mom or dad. Some babies already know how to respond to loud sounds, follow movements at close range. The baby can raise his head from a position on his tummy, some hold his head in a vertical position. Children already have a spontaneous smile, enthusiastic sounds, cooing.

This time is the adaptation period. The child's body adapts to life, so it is very important not to neglect the examination of doctors. The patronage nurse and the pediatrician assigned to the baby will visit the mother with the child once every seven days for a month.

Examination of the baby, auscultation (listening) of the lungs and heart, examination of the abdomen. The doctor gives recommendations for the care of the newborn. The doctor shows how children are bathed, fed and swaddled. At this stage, it is very important for the mother to establish breastfeeding, so she can seek help from a doctor to show him how to properly apply the baby.

First examination

During the first examination by a pediatrician, height is measured, weighed, weight gain is assessed. The doctor measures the circumference of the baby's head and chest. Also, the pediatrician uses a stethoscope, listening to the child's heartbeat, palpates the tummy, hips. The reaction of the eye is checked, so the doctor determines whether the child's reflexes are normal, whether he can focus his eyes.

Lymph nodes are palpated and the fontanel is examined. Also, the pediatrician examines the area of ​​​​the external genital organs, the skin. Based on the entire examination, an assessment is made of the dynamics of the overall development of the child.

There must be a mandatory weight gain per month. Over the next two months, the weight is gaining an average of 200 grams per week.

Consultation of doctors

Here are the doctors you need to see in 1 month:

  • pediatrician;
  • neurologist;
  • ophthalmologist;
  • surgeon;
  • orthopedist - optional,

It is also necessary to make the necessary examinations:

  • Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and MVS;
  • Doppler echocardiography;
  • Neurosonography;
  • Ultrasound of the hip joints.

What to take with you to the examination

To ensure a comfortable stay of a newborn in a medical facility, it is necessary to responsibly collect the bag. The following things are needed:

  • diapers, it is better to take a few;
  • pacifier;
  • rattle or toy that can distract a child, keep him busy while waiting for an appointment;
  • bottle of water if the baby is fed with adapted formulas. When feeding with mother's milk, this attribute is not needed;
  • results of previously made tests, ultrasound, if they were previously prescribed by doctors;
  • you can take a notebook and a pen.

These recommendations will help a young mother not only when her baby is one month old, but also in the future. You will need to visit the doctor every month until the first year.

What the pediatrician does during the examination:

  • the doctor weighs the child, evaluates his weight gain or loss;
  • growth measurements are taken;
  • chest and head circumference measurements are taken;
  • the doctor examines the condition of the skin, whether there is irritation, prickly heat, irritation or redness in the folds on the neck and behind the ears;
  • performs examination of the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, eyes, genitals;
  • listens to breathing and heartbeat;
  • palpates the lymph nodes, thyroid gland, fontanel.

The pediatrician will explain the need for vitamin D prophylaxis.

Neurologist's appointment

During the neurological examination, reflexes and other parameters are monitored. The specialist determines whether there is no syndrome of depression of the central nervous system, a syndrome of increased neuro-reflex excitability. The neurologist also conducts an examination of the following parameters:

  • congenital reflexes;
  • motor skills;
  • muscle tone;

A few years ago, a recommended neurosonography was performed in the maternity hospital or at the first appointment with a pediatric neurologist. This is an ultrasound examination of the brain, which is performed through the fontanel. The problem is that this procedure was prescribed to all children, even those who do not have obvious signs of pathological processes.

Ophthalmologist visit

Ophthalmologists say that even small children can be diagnosed with a tendency to strabismus. The specialist at the reception examines the fundus of the baby, assesses the condition of the lacrimal ducts. When examining the tear ducts, it becomes possible to detect their blockage and begin timely treatment.

Examination of the fundus of the eye can determine the presence of retinal pathologies and inflammatory processes. You can also detect increased intraocular pressure. Some children have various vision problems after birth. Diseases such as dacryocystitis, conjunctivitis may develop. It is early diagnosis that will allow you to start timely treatment and prevent the development of negative consequences.

Visiting a surgeon

The surgeon can determine the following pathological changes:

  • phimosis - this pathology is manifested by narrowing of the foreskin in boys;
  • inguinal or umbilical hernia resulting from various developmental defects;
  • cryptorchidism, in which the testicles do not descend into the scrotum after birth;
  • hemangiomas - vascular tumors on the surface of the skin, which are benign.

If pathologies are detected in time, they are treated in a timely manner. This allows you to prevent the development of consequences and complications. The older the child becomes, the more difficult it is to treat pathological processes.

Visit to an orthopedist (additionally, at the request of the parents)

An orthopedist examines the baby's motor apparatus. He spreads the legs in the hip joint, examines whether the gluteal folds are symmetrical. These are methods of visual diagnosis of hip dysplasia. A timely diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy help to get rid of the pathology much faster than at an older age.

An orthopedist can also determine the following pathological processes:

  • dislocations;
  • congenital clubfoot;
  • torticollis.

Smetanyuk
Marina Yurievna

Pediatrician,
higher category

Naryshkina
Nadezhda Lvovna

Pediatrician,
higher category

Maksimova
Anna Vladimirovna

Pediatrician,
first category

Pyatkina
Ludmila Ilyinichna

Pediatrician,
allergist-immunologist

Zotova
Anna Alekseevna

Pediatrician

Shmeleva
Olga Evgenievna

Allergist-immunologist,
pediatrician, first category

Pomerantseva
Olga Yurievna

Neurologist,
higher category

Borovikova
Tatyana Petrovna

Neurologist,
higher category

Belyaeva
Natalia Anatolievna

Neurologist

Elfenbein
Tatyana Vladimirovna

Neurologist,
higher category

Porhunova
Olga Borisovna

Traumatologist-orthopedist,
the highest category

Chernyshov
Vitaly Viktorovich

Traumatologist-orthopedist,
second category

Sheina
Irina Vladimirovna

pediatric surgeon,
pediatric urologist-andrologist,
higher category

Chernomorets
Yana Vladimirovna

pediatric surgeon,
pediatric urologist-andrologist

Makarova
Olga Anatolievna

Pediatrician, pulmonologist,
nephrologist,
candidate of medical sciences,
higher category

Eroshkin
Alexey Mikhailovich

Ophthalmologist,
first category

Rodionova
Olga Alexandrovna

Ophthalmologist

Semenova
Alexandra Veniaminovna

Otorhinolaryngologist,
highest category

Evert
Evgeny Vladimirovich

Otorhinolaryngologist

Additional tests

In order to undergo additional diagnostics, you need to get a referral from a pediatrician. An additional examination during a physical examination at 1 month may be needed if the doctor suspects any abnormalities in the functions of the internal organs of the baby.

A one-month-old baby may need the following examinations:

  • Ultrasound specialist performs examination of the abdominal organs, examines the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, neurosonography;
  • performed electrocardiography, ultrasound of the heart. These examinations will help assess the condition of the heart and blood vessels;
  • to prevent the development of anemia and various inflammatory processes in the baby's body, doctors can write out a referral for a general blood test. No additional preparation is required for this;
  • Your doctor may order a general urinalysis. This can be done using a urinal. You can buy it at any pharmacy chain. It is attached to the external genital organs of the baby, after which its contents are poured into a sterile container for urine collection. The main condition is to wash the child before collecting urine;
  • if physiological jaundice is suspected, the child is sent for the delivery of biochemical blood parameters. In this case, an important indicator is the level of bilirubin.

Peculiarities of early diagnosis

Thanks to early diagnosis of pathological processes, it is possible to quickly solve existing problems, prevent the development of complications, and perform correction.

One of the methods of early diagnosis is an ultrasound examination of the brain. For a one-month-old baby, this is a very important examination, since with its help it is possible to determine deviations in the development of the central or peripheral nervous system.

This diagnostic is indicated in the following situations:

  • if the baby was born prematurely;
  • if there were any complications in the birth process;
  • if the neonatologist gave low Apgar scores after delivery;
  • in the presence of hypertonicity or hypotonicity of the muscles;
  • if there is a delay of a physical, mental or neurological type.

With the help of neurosonography, it is possible to determine the presence of congenital and genetic anomalies of the nervous system, cystic formations. If the child was injured during childbirth, the specialist carefully examines the tissues to determine if there are intracranial hemorrhages.

Ultrasound examination of the hip joints helps to identify possible pathological processes, dysplasia, congenital dislocations of the hip joints. During the first year, the treatment of these pathologies will be most effective, since the child does not walk yet and the load on his musculoskeletal system is less. If problems are identified during the examination of a child at 1 month, the orthopedist directs him to a massage course and gives general recommendations. The doctor writes out a referral for the necessary procedures, with the help of which recovery is much faster.

Abdominal ultrasound is a necessary procedure for newborn babies. This examination helps to determine if there are any congenital pathologies. During the planned procedure, an assessment is made of the compliance of the internal organs with the age category of the child. There are certain criteria for the ratio of age and size of internal organs, these indicators are taken into account when assessing development.

Ultrasound examination of the heart is carried out from one to one and a half months. This procedure is absolutely safe for the child. It is informative, with its help you can assess the state of the cardiovascular system. There are no contraindications for echocardiography.

Is it possible to skip doctor visits

During the first scheduled examination of a child at 1 month, a consultation of narrow specialists is needed, an assessment of the child's condition and development. Additional diagnostics may also be needed. All this is necessary in order to make sure that the baby develops according to the age category, that he does not have any deviations in development, diseases and pathological processes. Therefore, it is recommended not to ignore the passage of the first examination of the child at 1 month.

There are objective reasons why a mother may not come with her child for an examination:

  • hospitalization;
  • acute infectious disease;
  • temporarily unable to get to the doctor.

When undergoing a scheduled medical examination, parents can ask any questions, be interested in the results of examinations. The doctor tells what processes occur in the baby's body, gives advice on caring for him. The first month is a period of adaptation of the newborn's body to external circumstances.

When you need an unscheduled visit to the doctor

Sometimes you need an unscheduled visit to the doctor. If the child has not reached the age of one month, you can consult a pediatrician unscheduled in such cases:

  • if there is no weight gain;
  • if the body weight is gained very slowly or the weight does not increase at all. The reason for this problem may be the lack of proper feeding. For example, a nursing mother has too little breast milk, the baby cannot properly grasp the nipple, it is very difficult for him to suckle. Also, weight loss can be provoked by various diseases of the digestive system, lactase deficiency, latent infectious processes or developmental anomalies;
  • the baby has vomiting or regurgitation is very plentiful, almost all the milk eaten flows out. It is especially important to consult a doctor if severe regurgitation or frequent vomiting is accompanied by a lack of body weight. These are the first signs of anomalies in the development of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • if two weeks after the birth of the baby, he does not have healing of the umbilical wound. The reason for this condition may be the lack of care for her, the penetration of pathogens;
  • in the presence of physiological jaundice for more than two weeks. The pediatrician must definitely examine the child, an additional laboratory study of biochemical blood parameters may be needed to determine the level of bilirubin and draw up the most correct treatment regimen;
  • in the presence of hyperthermia - temperature indicators exceed 37. 5 degrees. If, after measuring the child’s body temperature, parents see that the indicators exceed the specified mark, it is necessary to call an ambulance or go to a medical facility for help;
  • if blood streaks, drops or clots appear in the stool. This may indicate the development of dangerous diseases, including obstruction of the intestinal tract. Contacting a doctor should be immediate.

Due to the timely visit to the pediatrician, it is possible to prevent the development of various pathological processes and, if necessary, start timely treatment of the baby.

First Children's Medical Center
Children's health - parents' peace of mind!

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Scheduled examinations of a child under 1 year old by a pediatrician

All parents want their children to be healthy, they want to receive qualified assistance from a pediatrician, family doctor or other specialist, so that he examines the child, advises how to take care about his health, cured the disease.

In our Clinic, parents can always bring their child to see a pediatrician, as well as any other pediatric specialist who sees us: neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist, ultrasound specialist, etc.

A scheduled appointment with a pediatrician in our Clinic lasts 60 minutes . During this time, the doctor in a leisurely and calm environment will be able to perform a complete examination of the child; ask parents about how the baby develops, what achievements, problems, complaints he has; draw up a further plan of action (schedule of planned visits, possible consultations with specialists (if necessary), send them for testing, etc.), as well as answer questions from parents and give their recommendations.

When to visit the pediatrician according to the plan:

• After the birth of the baby: 2-4 times in the first month of life

• After the baby is one month old: scheduled consultation with the pediatrician, including examination, taking anthropometric data (weighing, measuring growth), as well as drawing up a plan for observing the child for the coming months. Another important aspect that needs to be discussed at a consultation with a pediatrician is breastfeeding support (is everything in order, does the mother need any help in establishing breastfeeding, are there any problems with putting the baby to the breast).

• During the first year of life: in the first year of life, the pediatrician examines the child every month. This is enough to regularly monitor its growth and development, possible deviations, and also to receive the necessary appointments.

• After one year: the main visits to the paediatrician take place as needed (in the event of a child's illness or an additional consultation). Scheduled examinations by a pediatrician at this age are carried out 2=6 times a year, depending on the age of the child.

When are scheduled examinations of a child usually performed:

• examination of a newborn

The first 4 weeks of a child's life are the period of the newborn - this is a serious period, including the period of checking the baby's health and identifying possible congenital diseases. Doctors carefully monitor the health of the newborn and, if possible, plan 2-3 examinations for the first month of the child's life. If the baby was born prematurely, if he has any congenital abnormalities, or he fell ill in these first 4 weeks, then the doctor, of course, will examine him more often.

The first thorough examination of a child by a pediatrician is carried out in the first hours of a child's life. This review is both general and detailed. The doctor must make a general idea of ​​the health of the newborn, make measurements of various physical parameters, and form an impression of the child's innate "maturity".

A complete examination is similar to those that will be carried out throughout childhood. Most doctors examine a child in three ways: visually, tactilely and instrumentally (in simple terms - with eyes, hands and tools). The doctor begins the examination with an analysis of how the child looks: general impression, degree of activity, mobility. The doctor looks at whether the child's skin is in order, whether there is a rash somewhere, whether the left and right halves of the body are equally mobile.

The doctor begins the examination of the child with procedures that will disturb the baby less, and then moves on to those that may wake him up for a short while. An experienced pediatrician examines the child carefully and slowly, thoroughly studying everything.

A major part of any doctor's visit is devoted to the doctor's answers to parents' questions and recommendations to help take care of the child. The doctor will give recommendations that are appropriate for the age of the child and his physical and emotional state.

• Physician visit at 1 month of age

Examination of a one month old baby duplicates many of the medical procedures performed at a newborn visit. Height, weight and head circumference are measured. The child's reflexes and movements are checked, including an assessment of head movements. The doctor looks to see if any congenital, metabolic, or genetic abnormalities have become apparent. It is very important to listen to the heart in order to detect murmurs and determine congenital malformations. During all visits to the doctor, the condition of the child, his reaction to the environment and the motor development of the baby are checked.

The pediatrician will also help with breastfeeding.

In addition, the pediatrician will help you schedule the follow-up (regular check-ups) of your child with the so-called. "narrow specialists": a pediatric neurologist, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, a pediatric oculist, a pediatric otolaryngologist, as well as a schedule for taking blood, urine and feces tests; send the baby for ultrasound examinations, if necessary.

• doctor's visits at 2-5 months of age

Monthly check-ups of a child aged two to five months supplement data obtained by a pediatrician at earlier check-ups. All measurements are repeated, reflexes are checked, all kinds of aspects of feeding and sleeping the baby are discussed with parents.

As the child grows older, the condition of the nervous system becomes more evident, which is checked by a complete examination of the child.

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