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Parent Information Sheet: Examination of your newborn baby
What is the newborn examination?
The newborn exam is a physical examination where the health care provider will look for any
signs of problems with your baby’s body and their development.
When is a newborn exam done?
There is a brief physical examination done within the first few minutes after birth. The health
care provider will determine the gender and look for any significant abnormalities.
The full and detailed newborn exam is done within the first 72 hours of birth or before the
baby is discharged from care. If the baby is unwell or premature, health care providers may
do the examination in stages.
There is usually a follow up examination offered in the first week after birth.
Is there an ideal time in the baby's daily routine to do this exam?
It is preferable for the examination to be conducted when your baby is quiet, alert, not hungry
and not crying. Your health care provider will discuss when the newborn examination will be
done with you and together you can make a time which is suitable.
Do I need to prepare my baby for the exam?
The health care provider will consider your medical history and the medical history of your
baby which is usually written in your health records; however they may ask additional
questions. For example, your health care provider may ask questions about how your baby
has been feeding since birth.
Will the exam be painful or distressing for my baby?
Your baby may become upset at times during the exam however they will not be in any pain
as a result of the examination. Your health care provider will try to do most of the assessment
by looking at your baby first so that he or she does not disturb them and then do the handson examination last.
Will my baby be assessed away from me?
Your health care provider will perform the newborn exam in your presence so that you can be
involved with the exam and help with settling your baby.
Where will the examination be done?
The newborn exam will be done in privacy so that you can discuss your baby’s health
confidentially with your health care provider. Culturally appropriate support such as an
Indigenous Liaison Officer or interpreter and translator can be present if you wish. If you need
one of these services, speak with your health care provider to organize this for you.
How long does the newborn exam take?
The newborn exam does not usually take longer than a normal doctor consultation might
take.
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What does the newborn exam involve?
The health care provider will examine the range of movement, symmetry (or balance) of
features, size and shape of different body parts. They will look over the whole body of your
baby, from head to toe and back and front including the following areas:
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Growth:
The baby’s length and weight will be measured as well as the baby’s
head circumference.
Head and neck:
The health care provider will feel the baby’s head to examine their scalp,
soft spots (sutures or fontanelles) and joins of the skull bones.
Facial features:
The health care provider will do a red light reflex test where a thin light is
shone into the baby’s eyes. This test can tell the health care provider if
something is wrong with the development of your baby’s eyes.
Collarbone, arms, and hands
Chest area:
Heart & Breathing: The health care provider will use a stethoscope to
listen to your baby’s heart and lungs. They will listen for heart murmurs, which
are extra sounds that are made when blood passes through the heart.
Abdomen:
The health care provider will press down on areas of the abdomen to
examine internal organs including liver, spleen and kidneys. They will also
examine the newborn’s belly button.
Genitals
Digestive:
The health care provider will check the opening of the anal passage.
They will also ask about your baby’s bowel movements.
Hips, legs, feet:
The health care provider will examine the movement of the baby’s hips
by rotating the legs at the hip joint. Your baby may become upset because of
some discomfort.
Back
Neurological (the nervous system)
The health care provider will assess the baby’s posture, behaviour,
movements, muscle tone and cry
Assessment of the baby’s reflexes include:
 Moro (startle reflex) - the health care provider will startle the baby to
examine the reaction with their arms and legs.
 Rooting- the baby will turn its head to anything stroking its cheek or
mouth. This reflex assists with breastfeeding.
 Suck- the baby instinctively sucks when something touches the roof of
their mouth.
 Grasp- when an object strokes their palm, they will grasp it. When an
object strokes the back of their hand they will open their hand.
 Stepping/walking- when the soles of the baby’s feet touch a flat surface,
they will attempt to walk by placing one foot in front of the other.
What if a problem is found during the newborn exam?
If the health care provider finds a problem, they will speak with you about this during the
examination. If your baby needs treatment, they will speak with you about this during the
examination or make a referral if needed.
Are there any other tests or exams which may be done at this time?
No other tests will be done at this time; the newborn exam is just a physical examination. The
health care provider will discuss other tests which will be due soon including the National
Neonatal Screening Test (NNST or heel prick test); Healthy hearing test, and the six week
baby check.
They will also discuss the health and safety of your baby including risk factors for Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), things that can cause injury for your baby, the role of the GP,
community midwife and child health nurse, and use of the infant health record.
The health care provider will also discuss your baby’s immunization schedule.
What is informed consent and informed refusal?
Your health care provider will have a discussion with you about the procedure, explaining
what will happen and the risks and benefits involved. They will then make sure you
understand what is going to happen and ask if you have any questions. They will then ask if
you consent to the newborn examination for your baby. If you choose not to have the
newborn examination, your decision will be respected.
Comfort, support and information:
13 HEALTH
13 HEALTH (13 432584) is a phone line provides health information, referral and services the public.
www.health.qld.gov.au/13health
Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline
1800 882 436 (free call)
Free, confidential, professional information and counselling for women, their partners and families
relating to issues of conception, pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care.
Lifeline
13 11 14
Lifeline offers a telephone crisis support service to anyone.
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