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Parentpedia
Newborn Tests
What Experts Say*
The first time you see your baby, she's already passed her first test: She's in your arms, and she's yours.
Chances are, you already think she's perfect, thank you very much. But the doctors and nurses surrounding you have other criteria, and they are likely going to run a number of routine tests -- some immediately after birth, others sometime before you're both discharged.
Newborn screening takes two forms. There are simple assessments like the APGAR score, and there's testing for various genetic disorders. If you're thinking, "Didn't I get enough testing when I was pregnant?" remember this: Many of the disorders your baby may be screened for at birth are not visible right away. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a range of metabolic tests (and is pushing for a standardized, nationwide roster of tests).
The March of Dimes believes all newborns should be tested for at least 29 different disorders. The tests your baby will receive depends on what state you live in (download an updated list of state-mandated tests at http://genes-r-us.uthscsa.edu/nbsdisorders.htm), but may include tests for disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU); sickle-cell anemia; galactosemia; hypothyroidism; and congenital adrenal hypoplasia (CAH).
Here's a quick snapshot of what will happen in the immediate post-birth period:
- The APGAR score assesses your baby's overall condition (color, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes) at one and again at five minutes after birth.
- Eye prophylaxis guards against a possible infection picked up from you during birth (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, which you may not know you have); her eyes will be coated with an antibiotic ointment.
- Vitamin K, necessary for clotting, is low in normal newborns. This vitamin K injection helps prevent a serious bleeding condition.
- A hearing test, because hearing loss caught very early can prevent serious speech delays.
What you might also be offered:
- Blood Sugar Testing. If your baby was under 5 pounds, or over 9 pounds, or if you had gestational diabetes, your baby's blood glucose level will likely be tested.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine. The AAP recommends a three-shot series for HepB, and many hospitals offer the first of these just after birth.
For more information, go to the website of the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center.
* IMPORTANT NOTICE: Parentpedia contains the opinions and views of other users and not of Disney or its affiliated companies. Given the interactive nature of Parentpedia, we cannot endorse, guarantee or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy or veracity of any content on this site, including the content generated by users, article authors or article reviewers.The contents of Parentpedia are intended for informational purposes only. Such contents provide general information that is not specific to any individual. The contents are not intended to, and do not, substitute for or constitute medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before acting on information obtained from this site. Never disregard professional medical or healthcare advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this site. Parentpedia does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Reliance on information presented on Parentpedia is at your own risk.
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