Life's first
examinations
From the very first second to the first few days, every medical gesture is a helping hand toward your newborn's health and fulfillment. Discover the care journey with expertise and serenity.
The Dawn of a New Life: The First 24 Hours
The arrival of a child is an unprecedented emotional upheaval. Yet, in this whirlwind of tenderness, the medical world moves with a goldsmith's precision to ensure that the transition to life outside the womb takes place under the best possible conditions. These first 24 hours are crucial: your baby, after nine months in a protective cocoon, must suddenly breathe, regulate their temperature, and feed on their own.
From the moment your child is placed on your skin, a series of evaluations begins. These examinations, though sometimes overwhelming for young parents, are designed to be as non-intrusive as possible. They are part of a preventive and compassionate approach, aimed at transforming your potential worries into serene confidence. At Un Jour un Bébé, we believe that understanding these steps is the first move toward peaceful parenthood.
The Apgar Test:
The Welcome Grade
The first examination, performed right at birth by the midwife or obstetrician, is the Apgar test. This score, established at 1 minute, 5 minutes, and then 10 minutes after birth, helps evaluate the newborn's vitality and their capacity for immediate adaptation.
-
A
Appearance: Skin color (pink or bluish).
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P
Pulse: Heart rate (should be over 100 beats/min).
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G
Grimace: Responsiveness to stimuli (crying, coughing).
-
A
Activity: Muscle tone and limb flexion.
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R
Respiration: Breathing effort and vigor of the cry.
A score between 7 and 10 is considered normal. If it is lower, immediate medical care may be necessary to help the baby stabilize their vital functions.
The First Pediatric Check-up
Usually performed within the first 48 hours of life, this thorough examination lasts about 20 minutes and allows for a careful exploration of every biological system.
Auscultation & Organs
The pediatrician listens to the heart and lungs to check the heart rhythm and the absence of suspicious sounds. They palpate the abdomen to ensure the correct positioning of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. The examination of the genitals is also systematic.
Skeleton & Motor Skills
Particular attention is paid to the collarbones (often stressed during delivery) and the hips. The Barlow maneuver allows for the early detection of congenital hip dislocation. Feet and hands are counted and inspected for any malformations.
Head & Face
The doctor examines the shape of the skull, the fontanelles (soft spots between the skull bones), and inspects the inside of the mouth to check for the absence of a cleft palate or a tongue-tie.
Growth Monitoring
At birth, measurements serve as a baseline. Weight, height, and head circumference are recorded in the health record. Remember that a weight loss of 5% to 10% is perfectly normal in the first few days of life.
Growth Measurement Simulator
This data is for informational purposes only and does not replace your pediatrician's advice.
Sensory & Biological Screenings
Technology at the service of early prevention.
Hearing & Vision
Before discharge, an otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test is performed. A small soft tip is
placed in the ear to check if the inner ear responds correctly to sound. It is quick,
painless, and often done while the baby is sleeping. Regarding vision, the pediatrician
checks the pupillary reflex and the absence of congenital cataracts.
To learn more about the development of these senses, consult our guide on Baby's Sensory Awakening.
The Guthrie Test
Performed between the 2nd and 3rd day (using a heel prick), this blood test is fundamental. Since January 1st, 2023, it allows for the screening of thirteen rare but serious diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or congenital hypothyroidism. Early detection allows treatments to be implemented even before symptoms appear.
Neurological Evaluation
Is your baby "well-wired"? To find out, the doctor evaluates primitive reflexes. These innate automatisms show the proper functioning of the central nervous system and the lower brain centers.
Sucking Reflex
Essential for immediate feeding.
Moro Reflex
Arms spreading in response to a sensation of falling.
Stepping Reflex
Baby simulates steps on a flat surface.
Palmar Grasp
Firmly gripping a finger placed in the palm.
Leaving the Maternity Ward
Before you leave, a final examination confirms that your child is ready to go home. The pediatrician validates the weight gain (or stabilization of the curve), checks for the absence of jaundice requiring phototherapy, and signs the health certificate.
This document is precious: it not only allows for continuous medical follow-up but is also essential for triggering family benefits. Don't forget that support doesn't end here. During the first six months, a monthly visit to the pediatrician or general practitioner is recommended to follow the evolution of your baby at 1 month and beyond.
Parents' Questions
Is the examination painful for my baby? ↓
Absolutely not. The vast majority of clinical examinations are visual observations, gentle palpations, or auscultations. Only the blood tests (Guthrie) require a small prick, which is done quickly and can be soothed by feeding or skin-to-skin contact.
What if the hearing test isn't passed the first time? ↓
Don't panic. It's common for the test to need repeating, sometimes because there's still amniotic fluid in the ear or the baby was too restless. If the OAE test remains uncertain, a more precise AABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) test will be offered later.
How to prepare for these examinations? ↓
Your presence is your best preparation. Being next to your baby, speaking in a soft voice, or holding their hand is enough to reassure them. Also, prepare your questions and note any family history you would like to share with the pediatrician.