08/23/2025
After delivery, a thorough newborn physical assessment is very important to detect any abnormalities early. This exam is usually done by the physician, nurse practitioner, or trained nurse within the first few minutes to hours after birth.
✅ Key areas checked include:
Head and face – shape, fontanelles, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Skin – color, birthmarks, bruises, rashes, or jaundice.
Chest and heart – breathing, heart sounds, symmetry, pulses.
Abdomen – cord site, organ enlargement, abdominal wall integrity.
Genitalia – proper formation, te**es descent in males, urethral opening.
Spine and limbs – straightness, movement, hip stability, digits count.
A**s – very important to confirm patency (to rule out imperforate a**s or other anorectal malformations).
Neurological reflexes – sucking, grasp, Moro, rooting reflexes.
🔍 Checking the a**s is crucial because undetected anorectal malformations can lead to life-threatening complications like bowel obstruction if not promptly managed.
