What most parents rarely know or worry about during pregnancy is who will be the specialist they will entrust with the health and development of their baby. After all, the first pediatric appointment only happens after the baby is born, right? Wrong! The first pediatric appointment should actually take place still during pregnancy, preferably from the 32nd week of pregnancy onwards. It’s not easy to find a pediatrician or any kind of specialist who inspires confidence right away, so the search and decision should happen even before the baby is born.
Take this opportunity to discuss breastfeeding and resolve all your questions about your newborn’s first days. Colic, hygiene, and care during those first days, and every other detail you may still feel unsure about. Remember that your decision should weigh much more than just empathy for the doctor. Professional recommendations and membership in the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics are important factors to consider. The location of the practice and the doctor’s availability to see you in case of emergency are also crucial.
First Appointment with the Baby
Right after birth, the first pediatric appointment should be scheduled. It is recommended to occur within the 5th to 10th day after birth, and all the tests performed at the maternity ward should be brought for review. The first appointment is an important moment—it’s when you put your trust in someone who will get to know your greatest treasure, monitor each stage of development, and offer complete support to address any concerns that may arise.
During this first visit, the doctor will request information about the birth, check the documents from the maternity hospital with the baby’s weight and measurements, to begin tracking growth, which should be recorded at each appointment. Parents must never forget the baby’s vaccination card. Your newborn should have check-ups at least once a month, where weight gain or loss, growth, and overall development will be assessed.
Take advantage of this first appointment to bring all your questions about these first days of your baby’s life. The early days are often challenging as you adjust to a new routine, and getting used to everything can take time. Questions about breastfeeding schedules, the appearance of stool, and understanding what’s normal or not. At the appointment, not only will growth be evaluated, but also the healing of the umbilical stump, possible infections, and guidance about local hygiene and care. The baby’s vision and hearing will also be checked, and sometimes the hearing screening may be performed right there in the office.
In most cases, babies are born with a yellowish color due to jaundice, and this may increase after discharge from the maternity ward. At the first appointment, the pediatrician will also assess the intensity, and if necessary, may request tests to evaluate the severity of the jaundice and indicate the appropriate treatment.
You’ll be informed about the vaccines that should be given in this initial period and the essential care needed to ensure a healthy life. Sunbathing and the best times for it, proper hygiene, amount of clothing, and body temperature—little details that in time will become everyday routine for parents.
Ideally, all questions should be written down before the appointment. That way, no doubts or worries will be overlooked. The pediatrician’s role is to monitor your child’s development and give parents full support regarding their child’s health, clarifying all concerns and prescribing the necessary treatment and care for each situation.
See also: Newborn Hearing Screening – Why Is It Necessary?
Photos: Lou Bueno, Renée D´Avila, Bridget Coila
