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.

If possible, be present when the doctor does the examination; he will be able to ask you things about your family's medical history which may be important and you will be able to ask him any questions or tell him about things that worry you. All women have worries about their babies during the first week; but as always, don't be afraid to voice your fears: it is likely that there is nothing to worry about at all and that your baby is quite normal, but the doctor will be able to set your mind at rest. An example of something which might easily worry you is the moulding of the baby's head. In passing through the pelvis, the baby’s head is squeezed gently and becomes long instead of round. It takes a day or two for the head to return to its round shape, and may look odd at birth, but it is quite normal.

Neonatal examination – heart and lungs

Before using the stethoscope, the pediatrician watches how the infant is breathing. Newborn babies breathe more quickly than adults and you have probably noticed that when a baby is falling asleep after a feed, his breathing becomes quite jerky and irregular. It soon settles down, however, when he is sound asleep. An infant usually gets a little disturbed when stethoscope is put on this chest especially if the instrument feels cold. If you watch carefully, you may see him try to push it away with his hands, showing you that he has a mind of his own. It is helpful if you can pacify him. Heart murmurs may be heard in newborn babies, some are benign and some may indicate an abnormality but they do not always necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the heart. A physician will do an evaluation and let you know in case there is cause for any concern. In fact, most newborn babies who have something seriously wrong with their hearts are obviously ill. A pediatrician will suspect a heart problem long before he has listened with a stethoscope from the baby's general appearance, his behavior and response to his surroundings.

A baby’s breathing is also checked. This is done to make sure it is not difficult or distressed.

Examine for any spots and blemishes

Most mothers are very conscious of the appearance of their baby's skin. A mild degree of jaundice, however, is very common between the third and fifth day and certain rashes or spots are also common. 'Stork bites' are small pink blemishes found on the eyelids and nape of the neck. Do not worry, they will soon fade. Many normal babies come out in red blotches during the first few days of life. These can affect any part of the baby's skin, be quite widespread and cause mothers a lot of anxiety. We do not know why this rash, which is called 'erythema toxicum', occurs but it never affects a baby's health and it fades in a few days.

You may probably have noticed lots of tiny white spots over the newborn baby's nose and, perhaps, cheeks and forehead. These are caused by a temporary blockage of glands in the skin and disappear in a few weeks. Ask the pediatrician about any blemishes that are causing you concern then you can leave hospital reassured about your baby's skin.