A few babies will be born well and healthy, but may require further observations. This is because they have certain 'risk factors' that caregivers consider could increase the baby's chances of becoming unwell in the first 24 - 48 hours after the birth. These observations could range from checking the baby's temperature every 4 hours or so (or at feed time) to regular 'heel-prick' blood tests every 4 to 6 hours (or after each feed) for 24 hours.
In the past, many well babies needing further observations were separated from their mothers and placed in the Intensive Care Nursery to have these carried out. These days most hospitals will encourage the practice of the baby staying with the mother, doing the observations on the postnatal ward and only transferring the baby if they become unwell.
The types of observations your baby could be offered and when and where they are routinely performed will depend on your caregiver and the hospital policies. Women planning to go home within hours of the birth (on the early discharge program) may be advised not to go home until the observations have been completed (after 24 to 48 hours). Babies born at home may rely on the caregiver returning at more regular intervals or educating the parents about what to look for and to notify the caregiver if they feel their baby is unwell.
Reasons for a well baby to possibly need further observations can include:
Meconium stained liquor
Group B strep