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Tests Post-Birth
Dear Anai,
I am in my 8th month of pregnancy, due to deliver in 5 weeks. I was
wondering what tests will be performed on my baby after delivery?
Thanks,
Eve from AL
Dear Eve,
There are roughly six or more difference tests performed routinely
after the baby is born. The following is a list of what you and your baby
can expect:
- Silver Nitrate: Given to prevent blindness from gonorrhea exposure.
It can be administered by an antibiotic injection, or by eye drops.
Sometimes the doctor will use an antibiotic ointment that can protect
the baby's eyes from chlamydia as well.
- Blood group and type: This is to determine the blood type, whether
father's or mother's. This is not just done for the sake of knowing, but
also to see if the baby needs treatment for jaundice or other illnesses.
This test can be performed by taking blood from the umbilical cord.
- Blood Clotters: Vitamin K is given to help promote better blood
clotting. Since newborns may take weeks to develop a bacteria in
their intestine, vitamin K is given by injection. There is an oral
treatment, but doctors feel it isn't sufficient, since it can be spit up.
- Blood sugar: Only a tiny drop of blood is taken from the heel of the
baby to measure blood sugar levels. If they are low, water that
contains a high level of glucose is given to the baby orally. If
necessary, a sugar like solution is injected directly into a vein.
- PKU Test: This is a simple blood test that screens out any inherited
diseases. This is looked into so that treatment can be given
immediately to prevent further complications.
- Hepatitis B Treatment: If you have tested positive for Hepatitis B,
your baby will be given a gamma globulin shot (HBIG) and the
Hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth.
© 2001 Anai Rhoads. All Rights Reserved.
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