A healthy start involves early testing to catch any hidden conditions and begin treatment promptly.
Tests include:
- APGAR Score: Done at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess breathing, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, and color.
- Hearing Test: Identifies hearing impairment early for timely intervention.
- Metabolic Screening: A few drops of blood from the heel can detect conditions like thyroid disorders or PKU.
- Jaundice (bilirubin) check: Common in newborns, especially those born prematurely.
- Pulse Oximetry: Checks for congenital heart defects.
Parents are kept informed every step of the way. Test results and next steps are discussed with you by your care team.