Tests & Checks

Newborn and infant physical examination - sometimes referred to as the NIPE or 1st Medical

Within 72 hours of your baby's birth, a specially trained member of staff will perform the Newborn Infant and Physical Examination. This is a thorough check of your baby to see if she or he nees referring to any specialist Doctors or services.

The examination includes screening tests to find out if your baby has any problems with their eyes, heart, hips, and in boys, testicles (testes).

For full information on this check please fo to the following website by clicking here or watch a video by clicking here.

Newborn hearing test

0 days - 5 weeks. Either in hospital before you are discharged home or in the community by the time your baby is 5 weeks old.

If you give birth in hospital, you may be offered a newborn hearing test for your baby before you're discharged. Otherwise, it'll be done by a health professional, healthcare assistant or health visitor within the first few weeks.

You'll be contacted by your local newborn hearing screening service to arrange a suitable time and venue. Ideally, the test is done in the first 4 to 5 weeks, but it can be done at up to 3 months of age. For more information on this test, please go to the following website by clicking here or watch a video by clicking here.

First contact at home from a Midwife

Day 0-3 - If you are at home during this time you will usually have a contact from a Midwife to arrange your Postnatal care and to check you and baby are well. This contact usually occurs the day after you arrive home if you birthed in a hospital or in a birth centre. It might be a phone call or a face to face visit with a Midwife or Maternity Support Worker  in your home. This will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. The Midwife who calls you will plan your next appointments with you.

Newborn Blood Spot Screening Test and Baby Check (may include baby weight)

Day 5 - Every baby is offered newborn blood spot screening, also known as the heel prick test, ideally when they’re 5 days old. Newborn blood spot screening involves taking a blood sample to find out if your baby has 1 of 9 rare but serious health conditions.

Most babies won't have any of these conditions but, for the few who do, the benefits of screening are enormous.

Early treatment can improve their health, and prevent severe disability or even death. If you would like further information on the conditions that are checked for or the way the test is carried out, please go to the following website by clicking here or watch a video by clicking here.

Your baby will also be checked over and might be weighed at this appointment by a member of the Maternity Team. This check-up may include baby's Mum being checked over.

Discharge to the Health Visitor

Day 10-28 - Your named Midwife will discharge you from Midwifery care and your contact for advice and support going forwards will be your Health Visitor and GP

Contact from the Health Visitor

Day 10-14 - Your Health Visitor will get in touch to arrange when your first appointment with them will be. You may have met them before you had your baby. You will be seen at home or in clinics to check on the health and development of your baby as well as your emotional health and to give advice on safety related to your baby.

Mother and Baby Check including a repeat of the NIPE check

6-8 week Mother and Baby check - You should have your postnatal check 6 to 8 weeks after your baby's birth to make sure you feel well and are recovering properly.

Your GP surgery is required to offer and provide you with a postnatal check following changes made in April 2020. You can request an appointment for a check yourself, especially if you have any concerns. It's a good idea to make a list of questions to take along with you.

Your postnatal check should be done with a GP. It can be done immediately before or after your baby's 6 to 8 week check. But it can also be done at a separate time if you would like it to be.

Registering Baby's Birth

0-42 days - You must book this appointment yourself before attending the Registrar’s office.

Appointments can be booked online or over the telephone. Further information on registering a birth of a baby born

Other helpful links:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/support-and-services/tips-for-new-parents/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/support-and-services/services-and-support-for-parents/