Principle and Practice of Post-natal Baby Check for General Practice: A Mini Review

Abstract

A post-natal baby check is a comprehensive, head-to-toe clinical examination performed routinely within 72 hours of birth in the hospital and by a general practitioner (GP) in the community 6-8 weeks following delivery. It serves as an opportunity for continuity of care and coincides with the time of the baby's first set of vaccinations at eight weeks, which is often when babies are seen by a GP. The aim of this review is to describe the important elements of infant baby check and physical examination at 6-8 weeks in the context of evidence-based guidelines. Some abnormalities that are not visible at 72 hours after birth can become apparent at the 6-8-week post-natal baby check, and this is a valuable opportunity for further care through establishing an effective and efficient partnership with the baby and the mother. A satisfactory and skillful physical examination of an infant is reassuring and valued by the parents.