A baby's movements are governed by reflexes. These reflexes are somewhat automatic and not in his control. To give an example if one strokes a newborn's hand or foot on either the top or back then whole arm or leg withdraws slightly and then the feet or hands flex and turn. They turn as a mechanism to grasp your finger. This withdrawal reflex is present till the baby starts using his limbs in other ways, for example, standing, holding hands, etc.
The newborns after birth are capable of doing all activities that are essential to sustain birth. So one can easily say that a baby can breathe, suck, swallow, hear, see, smell, eliminate waste, feel, move his head, hands and legs from the first minute. Right from the beginning, a newborn's attention can be gotten by sharply contoured or circular shapes.
The newborn baby is examined at birth according to the Apgar score, but a much more detailed examination will be made at some time during infant's stay in hospital. In some hospitals, it is done during the first day or two, in others or in case of extended stay it may be done just before the newborn leaves to go home.
Before birth a baby leads a somewhat sheltered life, but from the moment he is born a new phase in his development starts. He has to adjust to a completely new environment. Some things, like breathing, for example, he can do instantaneously without any help, but in many other ways he is entirely helpless and dependent on his mother's assistance.
Right after the baby is born, the doctor's do an Apgar's Test on the newborn. This test is done to assess the condition of the newborn baby. This is the test that helps a physician in deciding whether the baby needs any immediate emergency care or to put it another way, it indicates the basic well-being of the baby.
The first examination of the baby happens in the delivery room just after delivery. This examination helps in determining the well-being and health of the newborn. However, the mother in the delivery room may not be aware of this examination because it is generally done away from her visibility.
