EXAMINATION OF A NEWBORN BABY AT THE LABOUR WARD

REQUIREMENTS #

1. A tray containing the following:
   1. Sterile gallipot with cotton wool swab
   2. Cord ligatures/clamps
   3. Stethoscope
   4. Pulse oximeter
   5. Scissors
   6. Measuring tape and gloves
   7. Antiseptic lotion
   8. Injection Vitamin K (depends on protocol of hospital)
   9. Syringe and hypodermic needle
   10. Baby dress
   11. Cot sheets
   12. Diaper
   13. Wipes
   14. Others (Good light source, flat surface, plastic apron, chairs, sharps container)

STEPS #

1. Establish rapport to mother (Refer steps)
2. Explain procedure (Refer steps)
3. Collect and assemble all items
4. Prepare a conducive room (close nearby windows, put off all fans and air conditioners if available)
5. Maintain infection, prevention technique throughout the procedure
6. Wear mackintosh apron and perform hand hygiene
7. Put on gloves and collect baby from mother (invite mother to observe procedure if possible)
8. Position baby on a safe flat covered surface
9. Unwrap the baby, do general inspection and cover with a clean sheet
10. Check the neonate temperature
11. Examine baby’s head, face and neck for abnormalities
12. Examine the chest (rise and fall of the chest, symmetry)
13. Check for apical pulse or listen to heart sound
14. Examine the abdomen (distention of the abdomen etc.)
15. Examine the cord for number of vessels and any bleeding
16. Examine the arms and hands for extra digits, webbed fingers, etc.
17. Examine the genitalia (if male; position of urethra opening, undescended testes, if female; abnormal discharges)
18. Test patency of rectum and urethra opening
19. Examine hips for dislocation
20. Examine lower extremities talipes, webbed toes, extra digits etc.
21. Examine the back of the baby (sacral dimple, spinal bifida)
22. Elicit for reflexes (Suckling, Moro, blinking, grasping etc.)
23. Give injection Vitamin K according to hospital’s protocol
24. Dress, wrap and place baby back into cot or sends to mother
25. Express appreciation to mother and communicate findings to her
26. Dispose off used items and decontaminate instruments
27. Perform hand hygiene
28. Record and report findings to the Officer in-charge