Examination of the new born

The examination of a newborn baby, also known as a neonatal examination, is a crucial part of the delivery process. It is performed by a healthcare provider, usually a pediatrician or a midwife, to assess the baby's overall health and identify any potential issues or concerns. Here are the key components of a newborn examination:

1. General Appearance: The healthcare provider will assess the baby's overall appearance, including their size, shape, and color. They will also check for any visible abnormalities, such as birthmarks or unusual features.

2. Head and Face: The healthcare provider will examine the baby's head and face, including:

• The shape and size of the head
• The position and shape of the eyes
• The shape and size of the nose and mouth
• The presence of any birthmarks or unusual features

3. Ears: The healthcare provider will check the baby's ears for:

• Shape and size
• Presence of any birthmarks or unusual features
• Ability to respond to sound

4. Eyes: The healthcare provider will examine the baby's eyes for:

• Shape and size
• Color
• Presence of any birthmarks or unusual features
• Ability to respond to light

5. Nose and Mouth: The healthcare provider will check the baby's nose and mouth for:

• Shape and size
• Presence of any birthmarks or unusual features
• Ability to breathe and feed

6. Chest and Lungs: The healthcare provider will listen to the baby's chest with a stethoscope to:

• Check for any abnormal heart sounds
• Assess lung function

7. Abdomen: The healthcare provider will palpate (feel) the baby's abdomen to:

• Check for any abnormalities in the shape or size of the organs
• Assess the baby's bowel movements

8. Genitalia: The healthcare provider will examine the baby's genitalia to:

• Check for any abnormalities in shape or size
• Assess the presence of any visible signs of genitalia development

9. Musculoskeletal System: The healthcare provider will assess the baby's musculoskeletal system by:

• Checking for any abnormalities in the shape or size of the limbs
• Assessing the baby's ability to move and flex their joints

10. Neurological System: The healthcare provider will assess the baby's neurological system by:

• Checking for any abnormalities in the shape or size of the head
• Assessing the baby's reflexes and response to stimuli

11. Weight and Length: The healthcare provider will measure the baby's weight and length to:

• Check for any abnormalities in growth and development

12. Umbilical Cord: The healthcare provider will examine the umbilical cord to:

• Check for any abnormalities in shape or size
• Assess the presence of any visible signs of infection

13. Skin: The healthcare provider will examine the baby's skin to:

• Check for any abnormalities in color or texture
• Assess the presence of any visible signs of skin conditions

14. Reflexes: The healthcare provider will assess the baby's reflexes, including:

• The Moro reflex (response to sudden movement)
• The sucking reflex (response to nipple stimulation)
• The rooting reflex (response to touch on the cheek)

15. Overall Assessment: The healthcare provider will perform an overall assessment of the baby's health, including:

• Checking for any signs of distress or illness
• Assessing the baby's overall tone and muscle strength
• Evaluating the baby's ability to feed and respond to stimuli

It's important to note that not all newborn examinations will include all of these components, and the specific components may vary depending on the healthcare provider and the individual baby's needs.