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Gynaecology and obstetrics

Examinations of your newborn

During your stay on the maternity ward, your baby may need to undergo an examination. Of course, you or your partner may accompany your baby. These examinations are often requested as assurance. There is no need to be alarmed right away.

The PKU test for babies

A few drops of blood are taken from newborns for this test. The blood sample is then analysed to detect rare metabolic diseases.

Hip ultrasound

A hip ultrasound is carried out on infants in several instances. For example, if there was little amniotic fluid during the pregnancy or in case of a breech birth. It is also performed with multiple births, if a previous child had hip issues and if, after the initial clinical examination, the health professional suspects developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Cardiac ultrasound

Doctors will order a cardiac ultrasound scan for your newborn if a heart murmur has been detected during routine neonatal physical examinations or if a structural heart issue was diagnosed prenatally.

Renal ultrasoundEchografie van de nieren

If prenatal screening identifies distended renal calyces in your baby, a renal ultrasound will be performed after the delivery so that health professionals can check the kidneys.

Jaundice and phototherapy

Your baby may have a yellow colouring because their liver is not mature enough to break down all the waste products in their body. Jaundice in babies can be resolved with phototherapy. For this treatment, your baby is placed on a pad that emits blue light.
Last edit: 25 August 2021