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What To Expect on Your First Well-Baby Exam

What To Expect on Your First Well-Baby Exam

Is your child due to a well-baby check-up soon? We’re sure you have a lot of questions about their overall condition and whether they are developing at a normal rate.

In any case, at Edge Pediatrics, your trusted provider of pediatrics in Greenbelt, Maryland, we say a successful check-up is one that is well-prepared for.

Preparing for your first trip for your first well-baby exam is two-way—getting your questions ready for your pediatrician in Maryland and preparing well so you can answer all the questions they may have for you and your baby.

Since your doctor will most likely recommend you see them as early as 3-5 days after you give birth or just shortly after you’re discharged, you would likely be still overwhelmed. To help you, our very own pediatric group has listed some of the things you can expect on your visit.

  • Questions from your doctor.

    Some of the common questions you will have to prepare for are:

    • How often does your baby nurse?
    • Can you describe what your baby’s bowel movements are like?
    • Have you noticed anything amiss with your baby’s eyesight?
    • Have you observed problems with your baby’s hearing?
    • What are your baby’s sleeping habits? What positions does your baby usually sleep in?
  • Your own questions .

    This isnt something you would expect as much as something you must prepare for.

    As a new mother, we understand if you have quite a lot of questions up your sleeve, so be sure to write everything down on paper or on your phone to maximize your trip.
    Here are some of the questions you may want to include on your list:

    • How often should my baby be eating?
    • How do I know when my baby is full?
    • Can I put my baby to sleep in our bed or on the sofa?
    • How can I say that my baby is crying too much?
  • Your baby’s actual examination .

    This is the most important part of your newborn care visit. Here, you can expect the following to be done:

    • Your baby’s measurements such as his/her weight, length, and head circumference.
    • A head-to-toe physical exam that includes examining their head, ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, legs, as well as your baby’s genitalia.
    • Your baby’s development, which will depend mostly on what information you can provide your baby’s doctor. Being able to describe a typical day with your baby is a good benchmark for enough preparation.
  • Vaccination .
    If your baby didn’t get essential vaccines such as a hepatitis B shot at the hospital, this is when you can. Here you will know how to calm and soothe your baby as they receive their shots.
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