Planning Your Baby Screening

The anticipation is over and the new baby has arrived, happiness abounds and the new parents spread their joy to the world, end of the story? Of course not. Even with all the medical advice, many couples forget the importance of having a baby screening shortly after the mother has given birth and before going back home from the hospital.

Even when the newborn seems to be fine, the possibilities of serious problems or disorders are present during the first hours of life, including "silent killers", disorders not seen at first glance. Here is when the baby screening comes in handy, not a diagnostic tool, but a few drops of the baby's blood will allow testing to prevent an early slow growth, respiratory problems, brain damage and premature death, if not treated early.

Monitoring the baby before leaving the hospital or scheduling a later appointment if it occurs sooner than 24 hours can make a significant difference for the healthy development of your baby. The baby screening is a guide for your doctor when checking for any harmful or possible risks for health disorders.

Most babies in the USA are born healthy, however baby screening is required by state law in several states but can be refused if the parent's religious beliefs or practices do not allow the monitoring test. Depending on each states regulations, parents may be asked to sign a document or form if the baby screening is refused releasing the hospital of responsibilities if a serious disorder is developed by the newborn.