The first few hours after the birth are special for you and your baby. In addition to getting to know each other for the first time, there are also important examinations to ensure that your baby is healthy and has a good start in life. So that you feel well prepared, we explain all the important check-ups that are carried out immediately after the birth and in the first few days of life. This way, you can make informed decisions and know exactly what to expect.
Immediately after the birth, the so-called Apgar test is carried out. Midwives or doctors check how well your baby is adapting to the world outside the womb. The test is carried out three times: after 1, 5 and 10 minutes. Five parameters are checked:
Each parameter receives up to 2 points, so a maximum of 10 points is possible. But don't worry, it doesn't have to be perfect! Your baby can lie relaxed on your tummy without being taken away from you.
In many clinics, the umbilical cord blood is also analysed to check the oxygen supply during the birth. The pH value and the base excess (a measure of the acid-base balance) are measured. This examination can provide valuable information, especially after a strenuous labour.
Your baby will be thoroughly examined shortly after birth:
Immediately after birth, your baby will be given vitamin K, an essential vitamin for blood clotting. It is administered as drops and repeated later at U2 and U3. This prophylaxis protects your baby from dangerous bleeding, as breast milk contains very little vitamin K.
Pulse oximetry is carried out between 4 and 24 hours after birth. A small clip on your baby's foot measures the oxygen saturation. Values above 96 % are considered normal. This examination is completely painless and only takes a few seconds - your baby can remain in your arms.
Blood is taken from your baby's heel between the 36th and 72nd hour of life. This so-called dry blood sample is analysed for rare metabolic and hormonal disorders as well as cystic fibrosis. Important: You must agree to this genetic test in writing. Your doctor must and will inform you in detail beforehand.
The diseases tested include, among many others:
Even though these diseases are very rare, it is crucial to recognise and treat them at an early stage.
Hearing screening is also one of the first examinations. A small sound impulse is used to test whether your baby can hear. If the result is inconclusive due to cheese smears or amniotic fluid, the examination is repeated later. Hearing is important for speech and cognitive development, which is why this examination is recommended.
For the time at home, your baby will be given vitamin D, often in combination with fluoride. Vitamin D is important for healthy bone growth, as babies are exposed to little sunlight. The use of fluoride to strengthen teeth is controversial - it's best to talk to your dentist about whether it's a good idea for your baby.
The hip ultrasound is usually carried out as part of the U3 scan. If there are risk factors, such as breech presentation or a family history, it can already be carried out at U2. If recognised early, hip dysplasia can be treated effectively.
An important innovation is the RSV vaccination, which is offered from U2 onwards. This antibody vaccination protects newborns against severe courses of respiratory syncytial virus, a common infection in infants.
All examinations and prophylactics serve to protect your baby from avoidable risks and ensure that it grows up healthy. Of course, the decision is up to you - you will also find detailed video material on postnatal examinations in the antenatal course. Make sure you watch these lessons so that you can make the best choice for your baby with confidence.
One of the most important examinations in the first few days of life is the extended newborn screening. Between the 36th and 72nd hour of life, a small amount of blood is taken from your baby's heel. This is dripped onto a dry blood card and sent to a specialised laboratory, which tests the sample for numerous rare metabolic and hormonal disorders.
Although these diseases are rare, they are treatable. Early diagnosis enables therapies that help your baby to develop healthily.
Here is an overview of the diseases that are recorded as part of newborn screening:
The screening only takes place with your written consent. Beforehand, your doctor will explain to you exactly which diseases will be tested and why this is important.
If your baby was born at home or on an outpatient basis, the newborn screening can also be carried out by your midwife - provided you have received the paediatric information beforehand.
If recognised early, many of these rare diseases can be treated well. Even if your baby is completely healthy, screening gives you additional peace of mind.
Watch the corresponding lessons in the antenatal class and get advice from your paediatrician before the birth of your baby.
