In the rush of excitement at meeting your newborn (and the flurry of activity in those first hours post-delivery), you might not realize your little one gets his very first well-baby checkup, including a physical exam, while you’re still in the hospital — either from your chosen pediatrician or a staff pediatrician.
What tests will my baby get in the hospital?
Baby’s very first test is the Apgar test, also known as the Apgar score. It's a basic examination of baby’s condition at one minute and again at five minutes after birth, assessing his appearance, pulse, reflexes, muscle tone and breathing.
Other newborn screenings include a hearing test, a blood test to help identify rare but potentially serious conditions babies are sometimes born with (including ones that can be easily treated if they are diagnosed early), and a skin test or blood test to look for jaundice (it will check bilirubin levels). A screening for congenital heart disease (heart disease that a baby is born with) is recommended, but not always offered.
If you’re not sure if baby has had these screening tests or what the results were, make sure you ask.
Will my baby be measured at the first appointment?
Yes, your newborn baby will be weighed and his length and head size will be measured. You may receive some documentation of these measurements or an infant growth chart with all your newborn's measurements. Be sure to bring this to your first well-baby visit outside the hospital.
Will my baby get any shots at the hospital at the first checkup?
Your baby will receive his first shots, too, before leaving the hospital — including a vitamin K injection. This important shot will help baby's blood to clot, and it's given immediately after birth. Your newborn will also receive his first immunization against hepatitis B.
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Did you have a home birth? Ask the pediatrician about scheduling all of these important shots as soon as possible.
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