Detailed Newborn Assessment is explained in this PPT. It is very useful for GNM students.

2.  To identify normal characteristics in the
newborn.
 To identify existing abnormalities, if any
 To carry out immediate action if there is any
deviation.
 To establish a baseline for future physiological
changes.

3.  Keep your hands clean, dry and warm.
 Keep your nails short and free of nail polish.
 Do not expose the baby unnecessary.
 Do not expose the baby to drafts and chills.
 Examine the baby swiftly not more than 8 to 10
minutes.
 If newborn is irritable/crying during examination
allow him to suck on a nipple.
 Inform mother about outcome of examination.

4.  Take temperature: (37˚C ± 0.5˚C)
 Count heart rate: 120-160 beats/minute
 Count respiratory rate: 30-60 breaths /minute

5.  Weight: 2.7 kg (with a variation of 2.5-3.9 kg or more)
 Length: 50 cm (with the range of 48-53cm)
 Head Circumference: 33-35.5 cm
 Chest Circumference: 30.5-33 cm

6.  Color: skin is pink
 Cry: loud and vigorous, immediately after birth.
 Activity : good activity.
 Lanugos: fine hair on the body.
 Skin: smooth and velvety—rose petals.

7.  Cyanosis
 Skin: Check for …..

8.  Petechiaes Jaundice
 Vernix

9.  Erythma Toxicum
 Milia Mongolian Spots

10.  Fontanels : check for size and shape of fontanels,
or any other abnormality like enlarged, bulging or
sunken.
Anterior Fontanel Posterior Fontanel
Diamond shape Triangular shape
Size :2.5 x 4.5 cms Size : 0.5 to 1 cm
Closes : 18 month
(1.5 year)
Closes : 4-6 week
(1.5 month)

11.  Head: Check for …..
 Caput succedaneum
Cephalhematoma

13.  Molding
 Hydrocephalus
 Anencephaly
 Encephelocele
 Over riding of cranial suture etc.

14.  Eye : Check for…..
 Conjunctivitis.
 Epicanthal fold
 Inner canthus
 Protrusion of eye ball
 Pupilary reflex to light
 Congenital cataract

15.  Ear : Check for……
 Shape, position of ear.
 Check for any accessory
lobules.
 Check for hearing.
NB : Low set of ear indicates Down’s syndrome.

16.  Nose : Check for……
 Flaring of nose.
 Depressed nose bridge.
 Patency of nasal canal
NB : Depressed nasal bridge sign is the indicator of
Down’s Syndrome.

17.  Mouth : Check for……
 Cleft lip and Cleft palate.
 Epstein Pearl

18.  Tongue tie.
 Aglossia
 Hypoglossia.
 Size of chin.
NB : Small chin is indicative sign of Pierri Robin’s
syndrome to be confirmed if associated with
small head and pigmy appearance.

19.  Neck : Check for……
 Any mass in neck.
 Torticolis.
 Lymph nodes.
 Range motion of Neck.
NB: If neck is short & webbed it indicates Turner’s
syndrome.

20.  Chest : Check for……
 Retraction of the intercostals space.
 Breast for size, symmetry, color & any discharge.
(Witch’s Milk)
 Auscultate air entry in the lungs.
 Respiratory rate.
 Auscultate heart sound.
NB : Chest retraction shows
Sever Respiratory Distress.

21.  Abdomen : Check for……
 Contour of abdomen.
(Scaphoid Abdomen)
 Omphalocele.

22. Umbilical cord
( 2 Arteries, 1 Vein).
Check for lever, spleen
Enlargement, any mass
or Lump.
Femoral artery pulsation in both side of groin.
 Inguinal hernia.

23.  Genitals :
Ambiguous Genitals

24. Genitals : Check for……(Female)
 Labia majora covers labia minora..
 Discharge from vagina. (Pseudomenstruation)
 Size and shape of clitoris.
NB : Premature infant’s labia is not full covered.

25.  Genitals : Check for…(Male)
 Scrotal Swelling (Hydrocele)
 Location of Testis

26.  Prepuce retraction without any
problem to rule out Phimosis
 Urethral opening to rule out Epispadias And
Hypospidiasis

27.  Rectum : Check for……
 Anal patency.
 Passage of Meconium.
 Fistula or any abnormal opening.

28. Back : Check for……
 Curvature.
 Mongolian spot on sacrum.
 Spina bifida
 Meningocele or Meningomyelocele
 Tuft of hairs(if Conceled Spina bifida occulta)

29. Extremities : Check for……
 Any Fracture
Fingers and toes for missing digits, extra
digits(polydactyly), Fused digits(syndactyly)

30.  Feet to be looked for any positional abnormalities
mainly club foot.
 Range of motion ,Congenial
Dislocation of hip or any irregular
position.

31. REFLEXES OF THE NEWBORN:
Rooting reflex: If cheek of infant is rubbed, the
infant will turn his head on that side.
Sucking reflex : Developed at 32-36 Weeks of
gestation.

32. Moro’s reflex: Grasp the wrist of infant and draw it
forward and than drop back on to the bed, the
baby’s body will shows all extremities extending and
flexing. OR
 Make a loud sound by banging the examination
table, the limb will extend and flex.
NB : It disappear by the 3-4 months

33. Dancing reflex: Place the child in standing
position near the table, the feet will touch the
table and flex alternately both the legs giving an
appearance as baby is dancing.
NB : It disappear by the 1-2 months

34. Doll’s eye reflex: Turn the head of the infant the
eye moves in the opposite direction.
NB : It disappear once the child is able to focus.

35. Tonic neck reflex : When infant neck is quickly
turned to one side, the extremities on that side
extend and opposite side flex.

36. Grasping reflex: Put your finger near the child’s
palm, the child closes its finger around it.

37. Gag reflex: Reflex contraction of back of throat
which makes immediate return of undigested food.
Extrusion reflex: When tongue is
touched or depressed child respond
by Forcing it outwards.
NB : It disappear by the 4 months

38. Yawning reflex: Spontaneous response to decreased
oxygen by increasing amount of inspired air.
Sneezing and coughing reflex: Babies
cough and sneeze for clearing their
Nasal passages of something irritating,
such as dust, or to move mucus or saliva
out of their throats.

39. Glabellar reflex: Tapping briskly
on Glabella causes eyes to
close tightly or blinking.
Crawl reflex: Baby placed on
abdomen baby flexes leg under as
if to crawl.