Congratulations, you’ve had a baby! You are entering a new stage of life during which you will get to know yourself better.
At birth and during your stay in the maternity ward, your baby will undergo various examinations and medical check-ups to make sure the baby is in good health.
The baby's weight
A newborn baby may lose up to 10% of its birth weight, which is normal. In the following weeks, the baby gradually regains weight and continues to grow. This development is subject to regular monitoring.
The first check-ups
In the days following the birth of your baby, several screening tests are carried out and a pediatrician will examine your baby.
Guthrie test
This screening test, carried out on the 4th day of life, identifies certain rare and serious diseases, often of genetic origin. The latter do not necessarily cause symptoms at birth, but can lead to severe organ damage or delays in development. However, the treatment of these conditions is relatively easy (by medication or diet).
The test involves taking a few drops of blood from your baby’s heal. If the results of the analyses are not within the standard limits, you will be informed within 15 days and a special treatment will be proposed. If you go home before the 4th day, this test will be done at home by your midwife.
For further information : newborn screening in Switzerland
Hearing test
Good hearing is essential to your child’s development. This test involves the insertion of a small microphone that emits a sound into your baby’s ear. The echo of this sound is sent to a box to confirm that the baby has heard it. The test only takes about ten minutes and is entirely painless. It is considered that there is no abnormality if at least one of the two ears has reacted correctly
Newborn jaundice
Very common, jaundice manifests itself as a yellowing of the skin that appears a few days after the birth. In most cases no treatment is required. However, in some cases, treatment using light (phototherapy lamp) is recommended. The level of bilirubin (a few drops of blood taken from the heel) is then monitored until the level in the blood returns to normal. For effective treatment, which may take a few days, your baby should be exposed to light as often as possible. You can continue breastfeeding during this time.
