Health Information
Health Screening: Finding Health Problems Early
Screening, Birth to 12 Months
Newborn screening tests
All states require newborn screening, although the tests required vary from state to state. These tests can help find serious problems that could affect your baby's long-term health. They may include:
- Reference Galactosemia test.
- Reference Hearing tests.
- Reference Phenylketonuria (PKU) screen.
- Reference Sickle cell disease test.
- Reference Thyroid hormone tests (for congenital Reference hypothyroidism Opens New Window).
Well-baby visits
It's important for your baby to have regularly scheduled checkups, often called Reference well-baby visits, starting shortly after birth. During these visits, the doctor examines your baby for possible problems and asks you questions about your baby's growth and development.
At each well-baby visit, the doctor or nurse will check your baby's:
- Reference Vision, if he or she feels that tests are needed.
- Length, weight, and head circumference.
- Hip growth, to check for Reference developmental dysplasia of the hip Opens New Window.
It's also recommended that your baby have Reference developmental delay screening and a blood test for Reference iron-deficiency anemia Opens New Window.
If the doctor is concerned that your child has been exposed to certain substances or diseases, tests may include:
For more information on important markers (milestones) of infant growth and development, see:
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 28, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
