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You'll see your baby's doctor often during your little one's first year. Here's what to expect right after your baby arrives.
Your baby's first exam will happen in the nursery or at your side. It includes:
Your baby will get a first bath, and the umbilical cord stump will be cleaned. Most hospitals and birthing centers give information to new parents on feeding, bathing, and other important parts of newborn care.
The hospital or birth center where you deliver will notify your child's doctor of the birth. A pediatrician or your baby's doctor will be standing by to take care of the baby if:
A doctor will examine your baby within 24 hours of birth. This is a good time to ask questions about your baby's care.
A sample of your baby's blood (usually done by pricking the baby's heel) will be screened for some diseases. It's important to diagnose these at birth so treatment can begin right away.
Your newborn will have an exam at a doctor's office within 3 to 5 days of birth. During the first office visit, the doctor will check your baby in a few ways and probably will:
You also might talk about the results of the screening tests done right after birth, if they're ready. Write down any instructions about special baby care, and bring up your questions or concerns. Keep a medical record for your baby that includes information about growth, vaccines, medicines, and any problems or illnesses.
A baby is born with some natural immunity against infectious diseases. That's because the mother's infection-preventing antibodies passed through the umbilical cord to the baby. This immunity is temporary. But babies will develop their own immunity against many infectious diseases. For instance, breastfed babies get antibodies and enzymes in breast milk that help protect them from some infections and even some allergic conditions.
Infants should get their first shot of the hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital within 24 hours of birth. Some newborns need it even sooner (if their mother carries the hepatitis B virus in her blood) and others might need to wait a little longer (if they were born early and had a low birth weight). Babies will get more vaccines in the coming months based on a standard vaccine schedule.
Some babies will also get an RSV antibody shot before they leave the hospital or within 1 week of birth at the doctor’s office. Usually it's given to babies who are born just before or during RSV season and only to babies whose mother didn't get an RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Call your doctor if you have concerns about your newborn. These problems can be common during this first month:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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