The baby's bottom, groin, hips, legs & feet

CODE:

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

Back

The baby is turned over so that their stomach lies on one of the caregiver's hands. The line and contour of the baby's spine is examined. (G, FE)
Does the baby display the Galant reflex? (FE)
The caregiver will look for dimples at the base of the spine (or top of the baby's bottom cleft). Indentations and dimples are common and only a problem if the skin at their base is not closed, possibly indicating a lower spine opening. (G, FE)

Genitals

Boys. Are the penis and scrotum size and shape normal? (They are usually enlarged in newborns). Are both testicles down in the sac or scrotum and can they be felt? (Premature babies under 36 weeks usually have undescended testes). (G, FE)
Are there any fluid swelling in the scrotum? (Called a 'hydrocele'). (G, FE)
Is the opening of the penis (where urine is passed) at the end (or tip) of the penis, not underneath the shaft of the penis or near the testes (called 'hypospadias')? (G, FE)
Has the baby passed urine within 24 hours of the birth? Once the breast milk is in on days 2 to 4 (or sooner if having formula) is the baby having at least 6 wet nappies a day? Is the urine a good strong stream when passing it, rather than 'dribbling'? (Duck for cover if no nappy on!). The urine can have pink or orange discolouration, this is normal. (D)
Are both testes descended by 3 months of age? (G and D)

Image 10-37 shows the normal genitals of an uncircumcised baby boy.

Girls. Do the labia and clitoris look normal (they are usually quite enlarged in newborns) and can have small skin tags around the area. (G)
Can the opening of the vagina be seen when the labia are parted? (FE)
Is there a vaginal discharge of mucous and blood in the days after birth? (This is normal)
Has the baby passed urine within 24 hours of the birth? Once the breast milk is in on days 2 to 4 (or sooner if having formula) is the baby having at least 6 wet nappies a day? The urine can have pink or orange discolouration (this is normal). (D)

Image 10-38 shows the normal genitals of newborn baby girl.

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The baby's bottom, groin, hips, legs & feet

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