Screening checks for your baby

When your baby is born, your midwife will carry out an initial physical examination to check that there are no major problems that need urgent attention. Within 72 hours of birth, another more detailed examination will be carried out. This may be done by a midwife or paediatrician whilst you are in hospital or once you have gone home.

When your baby is 5 days old your midwife will ask to take a sample of blood from your baby’s heel. This is to carry out a routine test to find out if your baby has any of 9 rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve your baby’s health and prevent severe disability or even death. If you, the baby’s father, or a family member already has one of these conditions, please tell your health professional straight away. The conditions screened for are: Sickle cell disease, Cystic fibrosis, congenital hypothyroidism and 6 inherited metabolic diseases – you can read more about these in the screening booklet 'Screening tests for you and your baby'.

Pulse Oximetry is a simple test to determine the amount of oxygen in your baby's blood, it is safe, quick and painless screening which can help detect serious heart conditions, saving lives through early detection.

From 1st July 2015 all babies born at Liverpool Women's Hospital will be offered the pulse oximetry test before they go home, or at home if born there with the midwife. Further information will be given to you by your midwife and the test will not be carried out without your consent.

This screening is offered to all babies from birth and is to identify babies who have a hearing loss so that support and advice can be offered right from the start preventing long term developmental and speech problems.