Infant 101: The First Week Well-Baby Visit

As new parents, there is always some worry about how your newborn is doing; especially in the first few days back from the hospital. This is why hospitals schedule first week well-baby visit for their newborn patients. A well-baby visit is a visit to the doctor to check on the health and development of your baby. The first week well-baby visit typically takes place 3-5 days after birth. The dates for well-baby check-ups are at the first week, one month, two month, four month, six month, nine month, 12 month, 15 month, and 18 month checkmarks. What Happens at the First Week Well-Baby Visit In Malaysia, health checking for babies generally includes anthropometry measuring as well as growth and nutrition assessments. These are the most basic procedures that will be conducted at any check up. Parents will need to fill up any questionnaires and forms that are provided. This is to have records of the baby's health, maternal care as well as insurance. Additionally, if your baby did not receive their BCG and Hepatitis B vaccines at birth they will receive it during this first visit. If your baby was born pre-term many more complications may arise. This could include breathing problems, possibility of congenital defects and inherited disorders. Here is where well-baby visits become more essential. That being said, many premature infants grow up to be perfectly healthy. To ensure this, it is important that their health is monitored from birth. The first week well-baby visit will include a complete newborn examination. This includes: weight and length head circumference healing of umbilical stump healing of circumcision (if applicable) jaundice (bilirubin test for darker skinned babies) development (physical, neurological, etc.) signs of jaundice, bilirubin levels Development in Newborns All babies are unique and will develop at different rates. There is no reason to worry if your baby isn't showing the signs of development that you see here, especially at just one week old. Some signs of development are: Reflexes including the grasp reflex, stepping reflex and sucking reflex. Focusing on objects 8-15 inches in their line of sight. Move arms and legs Lift their head slightly Responding to noise What You Need to Prepare If you are seeing a different paediatrician, you need to bring your baby's health records which be mostly paperwork from the day of discharge. The hospital will have them but just in case you should bring a copy of your own, if possible. It is also important to take note of your baby's sleeping and eating schedules. This is important information for the doctors to assess your baby's development. You can take note of their movements and responses as well. If needed, you can always write them down to easily keep track of this information. Your doctor will appreciate this insight into the baby's routine. What Questions Should You Ask Make full use of the paediatrician during this visit. This is the time to ask all the questions that you have about your baby's health and wellbeing. No question is irrelevant when it comes to your baby's health. Even if you feel it is not important there is no harm in asking. Here is a list of potential questions to get you started: How much milk and how often should my baby be drinking? How do I get my baby to sleep well? What substances should my baby not be exposed to? What environments are safe for my baby? Although you may be able to find the answers to these questions online, it is always better to check with a licensed paediatrician. What Comes Next The next well-baby visit comes at the 1 month mark. However, if your baby shows any worrying signs you can always schedule another visit in between or even call your paediatrician. Premature babies or those with medical conditions may need to have check-ups more often. Discuss the next steps with your doctor. Ask for Help As new parents, it is daunting to deal with a newborn but there are countless resources to help you along the way. Your paediatrician is your friend; do not be shy to ask for help. Try to be there for both your baby and your spouse. Although this is a trying time, it is an amazing experience that will last with you forever. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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