The heel prick and hearing test

Important for your baby's health: the heel prick and hearing test

In the first week after birth, a blood test is offered for a number of abnormalities in the baby, the heel prick. 

Blood from the heel prick is tested for a number of rare diseases. Most of these are hereditary. They are fortunately rare. Most of the diseases cannot be cured, but they can be treated, for example with medication or diet.

The heel prick is taken at home by the midwife. A few drops of blood are taken from the baby's heel. We will warm the baby's foot well so that the baby suffers as little as possible and the examination can be performed smoothly.

Participation in the heel prick is voluntary; there is no charge. The results of the heel prick come after 5 weeks.

In the first 3 weeks after birth, the hearing test is performed. Good hearing is important. For this reason, a test is performed on all babies within the first weeks after birth to check this hearing. The hearing test is done at the consultation office.

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