Physical Exam of the Newborn

A complete physical exam is an important part of newborn care. Each body system is carefully checked for signs of health and normal function. The doctor also looks for any signs of illness or birth defects. Physical exam of a newborn often includes assessment of the following:

• Vital signs:
  • Temperature
  • Heart rate
  • Breathing rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Oxygen saturation
• General appearance. Physical activity, muscle tone, posture, and level of consciousness or whether or not an infant is awake and alert.
• Weight and length
• Skin. Color, texture, nails, presence of rashes
• Head and neck:
  • Appearance, shape, and shaping of the head from passage through the birth canal (molding)
  • Circumference (distance around) of the head
  • The open soft spots between the bones of the baby's skull (fontanels)
  • Bones across the upper chest (clavicles)
• Face. Eyes, ears, nose, cheeks. Presence of red reflex in the eyes.
• Mouth. Roof of the mouth (palate), tongue, and throat
• Lungs. Breath sounds, breathing pattern
• Heart sounds and femoral (in the groin) pulses
• Abdomen. Presence of masses or hernias
• Genitals and anus. Open passage for urine and stool and normally formed genitals
• Neurologic. Tone, neonatal reflexes are assessed.