Why the newborn physical examination is done
The newborn physical examination is done to check for any general problems with your baby.
It also specifically looks for any issues with their:
- eyes
- heart
- hips
- testicles (balls), if they're a boy
This helps to find any problems so they can be treated as early as possible.
Some of the possible conditions the examination checks for include:
- childhood cataracts – when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, affecting their sight
- congenital heart disease – which can affect how their heart works
- developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) – where the hip joint does not grow properly, which can cause pain and problems moving
- undescended testicles – where the testicles have not moved into their usual place in the scrotum, which can cause problems later in life
Who the newborn physical examination is for
The newborn physical examination is recommended for all babies. It's normally done before they're 3 days (72 hours) old.
The same check will be offered again by the GP when your baby is between 6 and 8 weeks old, as some of the things it looks for can take longer to develop.
How to get the newborn physical examination
You'll be given information about the newborn physical examination while you're pregnant, usually at your first midwife appointment (sometimes called your booking appointment).
After your baby is born, a healthcare professional will discuss the information with you again and ask if you want your baby to have the examination.
It's recommended for all babies, but it's your choice if you want your baby to have it. It's the best way to find any problems and start treatment as soon as possible.
Speak to the person doing the examination if you have any questions or are worried about your baby.
Tell your midwife, health visitor or GP if you have not been offered a newborn physical examination:
- before your baby is 3 days (72 hours) old
- when your baby is between 6 and 8 weeks old
What happens during the newborn physical examination
The newborn physical examination is done by a specially trained midwife, nurse or doctor.
Before they start, they'll ask some general questions about your baby, like how they're feeding or if there's any family history of illness.
They'll ask you to undress your baby.
They will do an overall examination of your baby's body and:
- look at your baby's eyes using a special torch to check how they focus and move
- check your baby's pulse and listen to their heart to check there are no problems with how it's beating
- check your baby's hips have grown properly and move as expected
- check if your baby's testicles (balls) have moved into the scrotum, if they're a boy
The examination is not painful or uncomfortable, and there are no known risks to your baby.
If you give birth in hospital, the first examination will usually be done before you go home. But it may happen at home, or at a GP surgery, community clinic or children's centre.
The second examination will usually happen at a GP surgery, community clinic or children's centre.
Getting the results of the newborn physical examination
You'll be told the results of the newborn physical examination straight away.
Most babies will not have any problems and will not need any further tests.
If the examination does find something, the healthcare professional will explain what this might mean for you and your baby, and what happens next.
If necessary, your baby will be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment.
The results should also be recorded in your baby's personal child health record (red book).