Your baby needs medical examinations during the first days, weeks and months of life to make sure he or she is growing well. The way you grow your baby on their first year can affect their health throughout life.
Going to medical examinations is normal and important for the baby. Even if the baby seems healthy, it must undergo medical examinations between the first and second week of life and at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months.
The first visit to the doctor must be one or two weeks after birth. Ask your doctor for the results of the hearing tests. If not done, ask your doctor to give you a referral to make the test. You must know as soon as possible if your baby has a hearing problem. If you have problems, you may need special help now so you can communicate. This support is useful when learning to speak and read.
At each checkup, the doctor or nurse:
- Examines the head, eyes, ears, heart, lungs and other body parts.
- Measures the height, weight and head size.
- Asks about how your baby sees and hears.
- Ask about your baby’s appetite, sleep and behavior.
- Gives information on how your baby develops and grows.
