Baby Foot Test

After the expected birth of our baby, a series of exams are carried out. These are part of the specialists’ routine when we give birth in a care center. Among the tests that have a preventive character and that aim to rule out some diseases at the time of birth, there is the heel prick test.

This test, also called neonatal screening, is performed between 24 and 72 hours after birth. It aims to rule out metabolic diseases that can affect the development of vital organs.

How is the foot test performed?

To perform the heel prick test, the doctor performs a heel puncture that will allow you to collect a blood sample with a lancet. After the bite, a little pressure is applied in the area to obtain more irrigation of

blood

and thus be able to collect the sample more easily.

Later, this blood is sent to the laboratory that will be in charge of determining if the newborn has any illnesses. We have to bear in mind that this is an examination that is performed superficially.

With the heel prick test, more than 19 congenital diseases can be detected in the newborn.

One of the advantages it has is that most of the time the doctors perform it while they are at the clinic (before the mother and the

little

have medical discharge). So sometimes even the parents aren’t present at this time, it’s just a routine test.

In addition, the baby does not need any special preparation, he will feel some pain, which will pass quickly. In case a bruise forms in the area, an effective solution is to apply cold compresses.

The Importance of the Little Foot Test

Although it is not possible to prevent congenital and metabolic diseases, its early diagnosis will make a difference in the life of the little one, as well as for the

family

. By allowing them to be treated, causing as little risk as possible as it develops.

This test allows to rule out metabolic diseases and also allows specialists to make timely diagnoses that can change a baby’s life .

The test also known as natal screening is preventive in nature and aims to detect

illnesses

like:

● Phenylketonuria which is a genetic disorder that causes neurological problems.

● Hypothyroidism, a disease of the thyroid glands, causing an insufficient production of thyroid hormone.

● Cystic fibrosis, malfunction of the endocrine glands and which results in lung and pancreas problems.

● Metabolic disorders.

●Genetic disorders.

In addition, some of the consequences that may have for not receiving the timely treatment, after the heel prick test, are:

● Changes in babies’ brain development.

● Problems in organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, among others.

● Problems for your correct feeding.

● Mental retardation.

●And in many cases even the death of the little one.

Quality of life for our baby

For this reason, we must not let any

exam

that can help us avoid greater consequences. We have to remember that prevention is our greatest ally during the baby’s growth.

In cases where the results are positive, the specialist should be asked to repeat the test. This is to verify that it is not a false positive.

Other tests that are routinely performed during the baby’s first days are: blood tests, audiometry and assessments for congenital heart disease, among others.

The most important thing that parents should keep in mind is that  submitting the newborn to these tests is not synonymous with being sick, or that doctors suspect the presence of something wrong. Otherwise, it is part of an established protocol to rule out any disease in time.

When this type of situation arises, mothers are often very distressed, but it is necessary to remain calm and seek advice from doctors, who are responsible for indicating treatment. The goal is that the baby can develop in a healthy way, and that both the mother and the father feel secure about this when they come back with the

drink

home.