Pediatrics is a branch of medicine that deals with children’s health, childhood diseases, and child development, from when the child is born to adolescence, usually up until the age of 18 years.
Pediatricians specialize in diagnosing and treating illnesses in children, providing care from early childhood through the teenage years. This branch of medicine encompasses a variety of areas, including children’s physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as disease prevention through regular checkups, immunizations, and education about healthy habits.
Pediatrics also includes monitoring the growth and development of children, diagnosing and treating infections, injuries, genetic diseases, and other medical conditions that occur in childhood.
The first pediatric examination is particularly important because it allows the doctor to assess the child’s health from birth. This examination is usually performed in the first few days after the child is born and can be crucial in detecting any health problems or abnormalities that require early treatment.
At the first pediatric examination, the pediatrician can check the following:
• The child’s physical condition: weight, length, head circumference, and other physical characteristics, to ensure the child’s normal growth and development.
• Condition of the skin, eyes, ears, and other organs: The pediatrician will carefully examine the baby’s skin, looking for possible signs of infections or other problems. He/She will also examine the eyes, ears, nose, and throat to make sure these organs are healthy.
• Reflex check: The pediatrician will test some basic reflexes to make sure the baby’s nerves and muscles are developing normally.
• Checking vital signs: This may include taking the infant’s temperature, and checking its heart rate and breathing.
• Advice for parents: At the first examination the pediatrician will also advise parents on baby care, nutrition, sleep, hygiene, and other important aspects of caring for an infant.
Most pediatricians recommend that the first examination be carried out within the first couple of days upon leaving the hospital, usually within a week of birth. However, if there is an emergency or any cause for concern regarding the baby’s health, an examination can be scheduled immediately after birth.
Basically, the first appointment with the pediatrician should be made relatively soon after birth, in order to ensure that the baby is given the appropriate and necessary care and support from the very beginning.
Preparing for the first pediatric examination can help ensure a smooth and efficient visit during which you will receive all the necessary information and advice related to your newborn. Read about the steps described below to make sure nothing is missed:
• Making an appointment: Call the pediatrician and make an appointment for the first examination as soon as possible after your baby is born.
• Preparing the necessary documents and records: If necessary, prepare documents such as the baby’s health insurance card/policy, hospital medical records (discharge papers after delivery), or any other relevant documents that the pediatrician may request.
• Packing essentials: Take with you everything you think you will need during the visit, such as diapers, wipes, feeding bottles (if the baby is bottle-fed), spare clothes for the baby, and other necessities.
• Questions: Make a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss with the pediatrician. This may include questions about nutrition, sleep, development, vaccination, or any other topic that may be of concern to you.
• Preparing the baby: Before visiting the pediatrician, prepare the baby by changing and feeding it so that the baby is comfortable during the examination. If the baby is calm and has been fed, the examination will be easier for both you and the pediatrician.
• Support: If possible, bring a partner, family member, or friend with you to support you during your visit. Two heads are always better than one, i.e., two people will remember more information than only one.
Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have or to express any of your concerns to the pediatrician. They are there to help and support you in your care for your baby.
At the first visit to the pediatrician, parents can expect a thorough examination of the baby which aims to assess the infant’s health and provide basic information and advice.
Upon your arrival, the doctor will review your medical documentation and conduct an interview with you, based on which he/she will learn your personal and family history, as well as details regarding your pregnancy and delivery.
The pediatrician will then do a thorough examination of the newborn baby, usually from head to toe, which includes checking weight, length, head circumference, skin color, muscle tone, and other physical characteristics.
As previously described, the pediatric examination also consists of checking the temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate to ensure that the vital signs are within normal range.
During the examination, the baby’s reflexes are also tested. This is done to make sure that the child’s nervous and muscular systems have developed normally, while examination of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, stomach, and genitals reveals possible problems and abnormalities of these organs.
The pediatrician may also propose the commencement of vaccination or devise an immunization schedule during future visits.
• Follow the recommendations given by the pediatrician: After the first examination, the pediatrician will provide you with specific advice and recommendations about the care of your child. It is important to follow them carefully to ensure the optimal health and development of the child.
• Monitor your child’s health regularly: After the first check-up, continue to monitor your child’s health and note any changes or symptoms that appear. If you notice anything unusual or worrisome, contact your pediatrician immediately.
• Continue to follow the immunization schedule: Your pediatrician will give you a schedule of immunizations necessary for your child. It is important to adhere to this schedule in order to protect the child from dangerous diseases.
• Continue to follow a healthy lifestyle: Continue to provide a healthy environment and lifestyle for your child. This includes proper nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful environments such as those with tobacco smoke.
• Develop the child’s independence and safety: As the child grows, it is important to encourage his/her independence and provide the baby with a safe environment to explore.
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