Newborn Screening Tests: Keeping Your Baby Healthy
When a baby is born, doctors perform special tests called newborn screening tests to check for rare health problems. These tests help find issues early so babies can get the care they need to stay healthy.
Why Are Newborn Screening Tests Important?
Some babies might look healthy but have hidden health problems. If these problems are found early, doctors can treat them to prevent serious issues. Newborn screening tests help ensure your baby grows up strong and healthy.
What Tests Are Done?
Newborn screening usually includes three main tests:
- Blood Test (Heel Prick): A nurse takes a few drops of blood from your baby’s heel to check for certain health conditions. nichd.nih.gov
- Hearing Test: Soft sounds are played into your baby’s ears to see how they respond, checking for hearing problems. nichd.nih.gov
- Heart Screening: A sensor is placed on your baby’s skin to measure oxygen levels, helping to find heart issues. nichd.nih.gov
When Are the Tests Done?
These tests are usually done within the first 1 to 2 days after birth, before you take your baby home. If your baby is born at home or leaves the hospital early, it’s important to schedule these tests soon after birth. https://www.cdc.gov/newborn-screening/about/general-information.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
What Happens If a Test Finds a Problem?
If a test shows something unusual, don’t worry right away. It doesn’t always mean your baby has a problem. Doctors will do more tests to find out for sure. If there is an issue, early treatment can help your baby stay healthy.
cdc.govRemember:
Newborn screening tests are a key step in making sure your baby gets a healthy start in life. They help doctors find and treat problems early, so your baby can grow up happy and strong.
For more information, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s page on Newborn Screening.
Sources
- for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- General Information About Newborn Screening
- Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/newborn-screening/about/general-information.html
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- Newborn Screening: Overview and Frequently Asked Questions
- Retrieved from: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/newborn
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- Newborn Screening: What Parents Need to Know
- Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Newborn-Screening.aspx
- March of Dimes
- Newborn Screening Tests: How They Help Babies
- Retrieved from: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/newborn-screening
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