About Your Baby
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Soon after birth you will be able to look properly at your baby and notice every detail. If you notice anything that worries you, however small, please discuss this with your midwife or doctor. Your baby will be examined by a doctor or specialist midwife to make sure everything is alright.
After your baby is born your midwife will ask for your permission to give Vitamin K to your baby. Vitamin K is essential to prevent a serious bleeding condition called 'Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn', which is rare, but may be life threatening. It is given shortly after birth by injection.
Vitamin K is added in small amounts to formula milks.
On the top of your baby's head is a diamond shaped area where the skull bones haven't yet fused together. This area is called the fontanelle. It may take about a year before the bones close over, you needn't worry about touching it as there is a tough layer of membrane under the skin.
About a week after your baby's birth the midwife will ask to take a sample of blood from your baby's heel. This is to test for rare but potentially serious illnesses called Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Hypothyroidism.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
PKU affects 1 in 10,000 babies. These babies cannot utilise part of a protein in their food. As a result this substance builds up in the blood and can lead to brain damage unless corrected. Treatment requires a baby being admitted to hospital for a few days, to allow the introduction of a special feed to replace infant formula. The baby is eventually weaned on to a special life long diet. With the correct diet the baby will develop normally.
Hypothyroidism.
Congenital hypothyroidism affects 1 in 4,000 babies and is caused by under-activity of the thyroid gland in the baby's neck. This gland fails to provide enough of the hormone thyroxine which is essential for normal growth and development. Treatment is in the form of powders or tablets, which replace the missing hormone, being given to the baby. With the correct treatment the baby should develop normally.
