Newborn Tests and Screenings
The Evaluation and Screening of Potential Newborn Health Risks
Newborns can face numerous health issues in the first 48 hours after birth. Here is an overview of what sort of screening and tests you can expect during this time.
Although many tests are given to pregnant mothers during their pregnancy, some things just aren't known until the birth of the infant. Once the child is delivered, it will undergo a series of tests to determine its health. The first 48 hours of life is crucial, so no hesitation is made to ensure the baby's health.
The first test given to the infant is adminstered twice during the first five minutes after birth.
Apgar Score
APGAR stands for for Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, and Respiration. The Apgar scores are scores given by doctors or nurses checking the baby's appearance and other key movements. A score of 0 to 2 is given for each category. A total score of 10 is perfect. Most babies have 8 to 9 scores. Those 3 or under need immediate medical attention.
Hearing
A hearing test will also be carried out. Since it's difficult to assess infant hearing, a probe is placed in the baby's ear, and analysis brain waves can show how he's responding to the stimulus. If caught early, congenital hearing problems are easier to treat.
Metabolism Tests
Over 50 different metabolic disorders are tested. The testing is done to catch rare disorders which can cause developmental difficulties, growth problems and worse. The test is administered within 48 hours of birth and has no side effects other than a bandage on the baby's heel, where the blood was drawn.
JaundiceJ
Jaundice is caused by bilirubin, a breakdown product of the blood. In cases of jaundice, the infants generally are placed under ultraviolet lights to reduce the bilirubin. Normally bilirubin is excreted through the liver, but newborn livers don't work efficiently in the beginning, so intervention is usually needed. Fifty to sixty percent of all infants have jaundice. If left untreated, jaundice can cause deafness, cerebral palsy or brain damage. In fact, all infants need to be monitored for appoximately 3 to 5 days post birth. A pediatrician needs to evaluate the baby if it's out of the hospital to prevent future complications.
Vaccinations
Shots given to newborns on the first day can include Hepatitis B vaccinations and Vitamin K shots. Hepatitis B is a devastating disease and the vaccine is safe. So every infant is vaccinated within 12 hours of birth. Vitamin K is given as a precaution as some infants are born with a deficiency. This can prevent blood from clotting and cause unexpected hemorrhaging. To be on the safe side, doctors give this booster to infants to prevent this from happening.
Nowadays most infants are born healthy. We know a lot more as to what can go wrong during the first 2 to 5 days. As the years go on, better techniques will be developed and discoveries will be made, ensuring a brighter future for the ensuing generations. More on this subject can be found in the February 2007 issue of Parenting Magazine under the titile Newborn Tests by Donna Christiano.
