While you might not be fully prepared for all-nighters just yet, you can certainly be well-prepared for your baby's inaugural visit to the doctor.
From scheduling the appointment to asking the right questions, here's your guide to making the most of your little one's first checkup.
The Timing of the Debut Checkup
Your precious bundle of joy will receive their initial examination from a pediatrician or family medicine doctor shortly after birth, right at the hospital.
During this assessment, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical evaluation of your baby's overall health, assess their newborn reflexes, and provide guidance if there are any weight or feeding concerns.
Subsequently, the first official well-baby or well-child checkup is generally scheduled at your chosen clinic three to five days after birth.
In certain instances, if there are issues like jaundice, weight problems, or feeding challenges, the doctor might recommend more frequent checkups in the initial days.
The Rationale Behind the Swift Timing
The initial days of life hold paramount importance for your baby's health.
As they acquaint themselves with essential activities like feeding, sleeping, and adjusting to their novel surroundings, healthcare professionals recognize that this phase presents a learning curve for both you and your baby.
To offer support during this transitional period, doctors strive to see you and your newborn within the first three to five days after birth.
Strategizing the Scheduling Process
Given that your baby will arrive on their own terms, focus on securing the doctor's appointment post-birth. However, prior to this, it's advisable to select a doctor for your baby. To assist in this choice, consider the following:
Personal Connection: Review the biographies of doctors, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners online to find a professional you and your child can connect with.
Proximity: Opt for a clinic that's conveniently located near your home.
Online Access: Choose a doctor and clinic that offer online medical records access, including health history, lab results, and immunization records.
Qualifications: Prioritize a qualified and experienced healthcare provider, possibly with board certification—a symbol of excellence in their chosen specialty.
The Appointment Unveiled
Before the actual visit, you might be requested to complete some forms online or through mail, pertaining to your baby's health, development, and your own adjustment to parenthood.
During the appointment, certain routine procedures will unfold, becoming increasingly familiar as you continue your baby's wellness journey.
Initially, the nurse will collect any forms, inquire about your queries, and measure your baby's length, head circumference, and weight.
For an accurate weight measurement, your baby will likely be undressed.
Following this, the doctor will review your baby's growth chart with you to ensure healthy weight gain and development.
They will discuss your baby's sleeping and feeding patterns, including bowel and urine frequency, to monitor their digestion.
Next, the doctor will meticulously conduct a head-to-toe examination to assess your baby's overall health and detect any possible problems or developmental issues.
This examination might involve:
Evaluating the shape of your baby's head and fontanelles (soft spots on the head).
Checking for signs of hip dysplasia by maneuvering your baby's legs and hips.
Assessing reflexes, including the grasp reflex and Moro reflex.
Examining the umbilical cord area and providing care instructions.
This appointment also offers you the opportunity to discuss any concerns or queries you have with the doctor.
Additionally, your clinic's nurse line can be a valuable resource for information and reassurance.
Inquisitive Insights: Questions to Ask
Embrace this chance to inquire about various aspects of your baby's well-being, growth, routine, and more.
You can also seek guidance on your own health and well-being.
Common questions include:
Normal crying frequency.
Colic possibilities.
Dealing with a baby's fever.
Feeding frequency and quantity.
Newborn sleep patterns and night feeds.
Optimal sleeping positions.
Typical spitting up amount.
Bathing frequency and method.
Diaper-changing frequency.
Differentiating mild vs. severe diaper rash.
Upcoming vaccinations and schedules.
Connecting with your baby.
Circumcision queries for boys.
Remember, no question is irrelevant, and your healthcare provider is there to support you and your baby's journey to optimal health.
Time Allotted for the Checkup
Most newborn appointments are designed to last around 20 to 30 minutes.
However, it's wise to anticipate a bit of buffer time for unexpected delays.
The doctor aims to ensure all your queries are addressed before you depart, which might extend the appointment slightly.
As your baby continues to grow, subsequent wellness checkups will occur at different intervals, tailored to your baby's specific health needs.
Essentials to Bring Along
As a new parent, staying organized is key.
Prior to the doctor's visit, ensure you have the following items:
Your insurance card (your baby may not have one yet).
Hospital paperwork (optional but helpful for context).
A feeding journal (if available) to assist with feeding and diaper-related questions.
Extra diapers and wipes.
Spare baby outfit.
A small blanket for warmth during measurements.
A bottle, if your baby is bottle-fed.
By preparing in advance, you can navigate your baby's doctor visit with confidence and poise, even amidst the whirlwind of new parenthood.
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Bobbi
15 Jun 2023
My first appointment is June 28th and I am so nervous, but also exited to see what happens. Any help of what to fully expect? #firstpregnancy
They should do an ultrasound to determine how far along u actually are an give u an estimated due date an do blood work because I just had my first appointment yesterday an that’s what they did for me.
27 Mar 2024
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Molly
Congrats! They did the exact same for me as the above comment ^^. Good luck, you got this momma!!
27 Mar 2024
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Chelsea
20 Feb 2023
Going for my first check up today. I peg it at about 5 weeks. Any advice for what to expect?
They most likely will be doing a couple blood draws first week or two just to make sure all your levels are rising accordingly. You probably should expect an ultrasound for maybe another 2 weeks or more especially since you still are early.
27 Mar 2024
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Kayla
21 Jan 2023
Have my first doctors appointment Tuesday not sure what to expect are there any questions I should ask
They'll put gloves on and put their fingers inside to feel around until they find your cervix. Then the see how stretchy and thick it still is. It sounds worse than it is lol. It left me a little crampy for ~10 minutes after but no worse for wear than I was when I went in.
27 Mar 2024
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Janessa
Pap smears are worse imo hahaha you got this mama ❤️
27 Mar 2024
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Bren 💙BOY MOM💙
21 Nov 2022
What should I expect at my first OB appointment?  video is just there to get responses. 
Yay!! Congratulations, first appt I went in they did an internal ultrasound and we watched on the screen, they handed me a few photos of the little tiny sac/ baby. Then I took some blood work and spoke to the doctor about any questions I had and what to expect
27 Mar 2024
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Blocked user
Congratulations
27 Mar 2024
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Abbi
15 Sep 2022
Im 7weeks n 6days what about y’all
Any advice on what to expect at the first drs appointment
I’m 9 w 6d , my first appointment was to confirm the pregnancy with a urine sample and they did blood work. I was around 6 weeks and a week later got my first ultrasound!
27 Mar 2024
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Jasmine
9 Sep 2022
My first appointment is next Wednesday & idk what to expect or what’s gonna happen how was y’all’s first appointment experience
I got a Pap smear and ultrasound. Longest appointment of my life
27 Mar 2024
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Jasmine
What’s a Pap smear ?
27 Mar 2024
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Hanako
26 Jul 2022
Hi loves so this is my first pregnancy I just found out (7/24) by going to the doctors and them doing a urine sample, this is my first pregnancy so what should I expect? I'm not quite sure how far along I am they said anywhere between 1-4 weeks (I have an OBGYN appointment coming up) so I guess I'm just looking for advice on what to expect, what to eat and what to avoid. Anything else will also be helpful:) thank you in advance loveys. 💗
No heavy lifting…your in for a ride for sure it’s one of the best feelings ever especially when you start feeling and seeing them move…take your prenatals and eat your fruits and veggies…get your calcium and if you smoke try to quit or slack off…no alcohol no drugs everyone knows that though lol…just relax and stay stress free and enjoy being able to eat what you crave unless it’s inedible food then talk to your doctor..good luck hun!
27 Mar 2024
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Hanako
thank you love! 🥰 I smoked bud before finding out I was pregnant and once I found out completely just cut it off it's hard but it is definitely worth it 💗 thank you for the great advice
27 Mar 2024
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Cheyenne
21 Jun 2022
What should I expect at my first prenatal appointment? I have one tomorrow and I'm unsure what they're going to do.
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