During the first few weeks after your baby is born, they will be offered some routine health checks. These checks are part of the NHS Newborn Screening Programme and include:
- blood spot screening
- physical examinations
- hearing screening
Blood spot screening
About a week after your baby is born, your midwife will ask to take a sample of blood from your baby's heel to test for rare but serious conditions, such as:
Most babies won't have any of the conditions or problems that are screened for, but for the small number that do, the benefits of screening are enormous. Early treatment can improve the baby's health and prevent severe disability or even death.
For more information, see What are blood spot screening tests?
Physical examinations
You will be offered two full physical examinations for your newborn baby. The first one will take place within 72 hours of the birth. The second will be carried out when your baby is six to eight weeks old.
These examinations test your baby's heart, hips and eyes (and testes in boys). Your baby will be weighed and given a general physical examination.
For more information, see When will my newborn baby's health be checked?
Hearing screening
Newborn babies are also offered hearing screening tests to check for any hearing loss. One to two babies in every 1,000 are born with hearing loss in one or both of their ears. Screening all new babies' hearing means that those with hearing loss can be identified early.
The earlier any hearing loss can be identified, the better, as any loss could affect a baby or child's development. If a problem is found, support and information can then be provided for you and your baby.
For more information, see Why will my newborn baby's hearing be checked?
Read the answers to more questions about children’s health.
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