The diaper area

During the check-up, the infant's diaper is taken off as there are a number of things to be checked in this area. The pediatrician will, for example, look at the baby's groin for signs of a hernia and will feel the pulse in the arteries that carry blood to the legs.

In boys, the opening at the tip of the penis ('urethral meatus') is usually tiny and sometimes cannot be seen at all as it is covered by the foreskin ('prepuce'). Usually both testicles can be felt in the scrotum, but sometimes fluid accumulates there causing a swelling known as a 'hydrocele'. This nearly always disappears as the baby gets older. There is often some bruising of the scrotum if the baby is born by the breech and although this may look sore it does not seem to worry or even affect the baby, and clears up in a week or so.

Baby girls often have a vaginal discharge, and between five and ten days old, there may also be a little bleeding caused by temporary hormonal changes. This is quite common and should not cause any anxiety.

Spine, hips, and feet

The pediatrician is especially interested in the baby's spine, hips and feet. A skin dimple or tiny pit at the base of the spine, just where the buttocks begin, is common and quite harmless. Many years ago, it was not a rare sight to see older children walking with a limp because of dislocated hips. Things are different now because the hips are examined most carefully after birth to spot early signs of dislocation and, if necessary, treatment is commenced right away.

Sometimes a baby's feet tend to 'turn in' or 'turn out' a little after birth. This usually becomes less noticeable as the baby gets older but, occasionally, it is necessary to strap around the ankle until the position of the feet improves.

Most babies are normal

It is natural for a mother to compare her baby with others in the maternity ward, but remember that no two babies are quite the same. Nearly all babies are normal, so that pediatrician is most unlikely to find anything during the medical check-up. At least it gives you the opportunity to bring you into the open any anxieties you may have about your baby. If you do have any anxieties, don't be afraid to ask about them.