Well Child Exam
A well-child exam or visit is something we, at Dr. Sayyed, Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, recommend. Children go through rapid and different changes as they grow up. Knowing how to keep them healthy and what they need during each phase of their early years can help them grow the right way.
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Since the first months and years are so crucial, you’ll notice that well-child exams are more frequent at an early age then become further apart. At Dr. Sayyed, we suggest you take your baby to the doctor 2-3 days after taking him or her home.
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After that, you should take your child for their well-child exam and visit at one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months, one year, fifteen months, eighteen months, and then once a year. Of course, if at any time you feel like your child is sick or needs medical attention, you should get in touch with a healthcare professional without hesitation. Your child’s health is a priority.
The Exam
Well-child exams assess almost everything about the child’s health. This includes a comprehensive physical exam which entails documenting the child’s length, weight, and head circumference. The word “length” is used here on purpose instead of height because that’s what it’s called until a child can walk or stand unsupported.
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The value of these things isn’t in one-time measurements. During each visit, the numbers are recorded on a chart, and a graph is drawn connecting the lines. We can tell if a child is growing as expected or if their growth has stopped, or even dropped.
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The visit will also include hearing and vision tests. Auscultation of the heart and chest is also included.
Before Birth
As mentioned earlier, you need to take your baby to the doctor after 2-3 days of going back home. Some parents will need to visit their doctor before the baby is even born. This is recommended for those having a baby for the first time, parents with a high-risk pregnancy, and for those who have any questions.
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Well-child exams and visits are important to ensure your baby’s health.