The baby's back & genitals

CODE:

General check (G),
Daily check (D),
Formal Examination (FE)
Growth and development (G and D)

Arms and Hands	Are the arms the same length? Does the baby move both arms? Are there five fingers on each hand, and normal palm creases? Are there any extra fingers or a webbing of skin between them? (G, FE) Does the baby have a good grasp reflex? Do they display the 'Moro' or startle reflex? (Checking this reflex can make the baby cry) (FE) Any infection of the fingernail beds - called 'paronychia'? (D)
Chest	Are there 2 nipples and is the baby breathing normally? It is normal to feel a few millimetres of breast tissue under the nipples. (G) Are the nipples enlarged, is there any milk coming away? (This is normal) (D) Using a stethoscope - do the lungs sound clear, are the heart sounds normal, no murmurs heard? (FE, G and D)
Skin	Are there any markings or birthmarks? Is the skin dry? Is there much vernix present? (G, FE) Is the skin yellow or jaundiced? Are there any rashes or spots? Is it dry or peeling? (D)
Abdomen	Is the tummy soft, is there a hernia around the cord, is the cord clamped adequately, are there 3 blood vessels in the cord? (G) Is the cord separating normally, no infection of the belly button? (D) A gentle feel for the baby's kidneys, liver and spleen - are they normal in size? (FE)

or View All