ABSTRACT
Every newborn baby should be fully examined within the first 2 to 3 days of life. This examination should include:
1. Review of the family history, pregnancy and birth, e.g.:
• Maternal history including blood group and any illnesses, e.g. diabetes. • Gestation, mode of delivery (forceps, ventouse etc), condition at birth (Apgar
scores), presence of meconium, prolonged rupture of the membranes. • Abnormalities noted on antenatal ultrasound such as renal tract abnormalities. • Previous baby with a congenital abnormality. • Family history such as sensorineural hearing loss (consider audiology
referral). • Consider haemoglobinopathy screening, BCG or hepatitis B immunization
according to local policies.
