What to Expect Once Your Baby is Born

Remember when you went on a tour of your hospital's maternity floor? All the monitors and instruments were neatly tucked away. Now that you're here for the real thing, it looks much more...medical. If you're a first-time mom, you may be surprised that your doctor is now accompanied by a whole entourage of nurses, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, and other staff! Relax. The equipment and professionals are all on hand to ensure that your baby has the best possible entrance into the world.

Once your baby is delivered, you will see him being whisked away by several nurses. Your first thought is, "Where are they taking my baby?" Don't worry. Your baby is going for his very first checkup. Some of it is done in the delivery room. The rest may be done elsewhere. This is a great time for dad to go along with camera in hand.

One of the tests being done to your newborn is an Apgar test. One and five minutes after birthy, your baby will be given an Apgar score from 1-10 to reflect his appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration. Your newborn will also be given a sponge bath. This cleans off the thick, creamy substance, known as vernix, that protected your baby's skin in the womb. It's may seem scary at first to watch the nurses tossing your baby around like it's nothing.

Your baby will be weighed and measured for length and for head and chest circumference. The nurses will also suction out the nose, clearing your baby's airways so he can breathe easily. Antibiotice eye ointment may be put in your baby's eyes to prevent infection.

An injection of Vitamin K will be given in the thigh to enhance clotting of blood. The baby's heel will be pricked to take blood to test for phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder, and other conditions, as needed. This is sad for a new mother to watch. Hearing her baby's crying is heart-wrenching.

Once your baby is born, you'll see a lot less of your obstetrician and a lot more of your baby's doctor. You need to select a physician for your baby during your pregnancy. The hospital will contact this person when the baby arrives.

Within your baby's first 24 hours, your baby's physician will check your baby's reflexes, breathing, heart sounds, and weight (which usually drops after birth). The doctor also checks the umbilical stump (a clamp will be left on for about 24 hours) and looks for conditions such as possible dislocation of the hips (hip dysplasia).

In the hospital, the baby may be taken for these routine procedures. Before leaving the delivery room, your baby will have his footprints recorded. Also, both you and your baby will have matching wristbands so there are no problems with identification.

Once all these tests have been completed, you and your baby will be free to go home. Knowing your baby is healthy is one of the most reassuring feelings you will have.