HEDI - U3 Check-Up: 4th or 5th Week After Birth

The third check-up is called U3 for short. It is usually the first checkup in a doctor's office, unless you delivered your baby at home or in a birth center. It is best to make an appointment with your paediatrician's office for the U3 as soon as possible after giving birth. The U3 is about more than just checking the physical health of your baby. You will also get detailed advice on which vaccinations are important for your baby to have. In addition, the U3 is the perfect opportunity for you to ask the paediatrician all the questions you have. Don't hold back- ask them about anything you've noticed in the past few weeks with your baby that you'd like a professional opinion on. You can also use the U3 to get information about support services in your area. Advice centres such as the Early Help Network (Netzwerk Freshen Hilfen) know what services are available for young families. The staff will help you find the right kids of assistance.

What is done at the U3 check-up?

Several bodily functions and attributes are checked at the U3. It starts with measuring your baby's height, weight and head circumference. Then the doctor listens to your baby’s heart, lungs and intestines and palpates the abdominal wall. Your baby’s navel is also checked. The doctor also tests whether your baby’s innate reflexes such as grasping and sucking are working and how they reacts when spoken to and moved. The U3 programme also includes an ultrasound scan of your baby’s hips, a hearing test and an eye test to check whether they can already following an object with their eyes. And just like at the U1 and U2, your doctor will check again to see if your baby has jaundice that needs to be treated.

Vaccination recommendations

Vaccinations are an important medical measure in protecting your child from dangerous infectious diseases. The first partial vaccination can take place starting in the 9th week after birth and thus before the next screening examination, the U4. So, your doctor will give you important information about the diseases against which you can have your child vaccinated at the U3. You will also learn about all the benefits of the individual vaccinations and whether there are any disadvantages. If you want to have your baby vaccinated before the U4 check-up, it is best to make an extra appointment for this now. You will also get your baby’s vaccination card at their first vaccination appointment.

Be sure to address problems or fears!

Your baby has been in the world for a little over a month now. Maybe it feels like they’ve always been part of the family. But it could also feel like your baby is still a bit of a stranger to you. That's not unusual. Parents often need time to get used to the new situation a baby brings, especially with the first child. That's not surprising, because nothing is the way it used to be. A baby completely turns your everyday life upside down. Suddenly it's not you who runs your whole day, but your child. Lack of sleep saps your strength. Especially if the baby is progressively crying more and more. That's when you might reach your limit. If you feel overwhelmed, exhausted or depressed, talk about it with your paediatrician. For example, hey can talk to you about what to do when your baby cries a lot. You can also get advice on what support is available in your area and how to access it. After the U3 examination, you will have a few months of rest before continuing with the U4 examination when your baby is between three and four months old.

U3 Check-Up: 4th or 5th Week After Birth

What is done at the U3 check-up?

Vaccination recommendations

Be sure to address problems or fears!

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