Your baby’s health is particularly important to us. That is why important medical examinations and preventive measures are carried out during the first few days of life to ensure the best possible start in life. On this page, we provide information about the most important medical services relating to birth, such as the newborn hearing test, the early detection of metabolic disorders and the prevention of bleeding. In this way, we aim to offer you transparency and encourage you to work with us to look after your child’s health.
Hearing screening for newborns
To detect any potential hearing loss shortly after your baby is born, Hirslanden Clinic offers you a free hearing test using a simple, brief examination and the very best technology currently available.
Good hearing is essential for your baby’s normal mental and emotional development. Hearing loss at birth is rare (approximately 1 in 1,000 babies). However, if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to a significant delay in speech development. The aim of early detection is to ensure that babies with hearing loss receive treatment and support as early as the first few months of life.
If there is a history of hearing problems in your family, we strongly recommend that you have this test carried out. The examination, which is in no way stressful for your baby, is carried out by our nursing staff in the maternity ward whilst your baby is asleep. You will be informed of the result immediately.
If the result is inconclusive (in around 2–3 per cent of cases), your paediatrician will discuss the next steps with you.
We carry out the test within the first 3 to 4 days of life.
For further information, please contact the nursing staff or your paediatrician.
Early detection of metabolic disorders and prevention of bleeding
Newborn Screening
Newborn screening is used for the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders. These are usually caused by a genetic defect. Treatment is now available for some of these metabolic disorders. Early treatment is crucial to the success of the therapy in order to prevent long-term damage. Newborn screening is carried out routinely on every newborn on the fourth day after birth. A few drops of blood are taken from your baby via a prick on the heel. The serological tests are carried out at the Children’s Hospital Zurich. It takes about a week for all the tests to be analysed. You will only be informed of the results if any abnormalities are found. Your baby will be called in again later to repeat the test. Not every abnormal result necessarily indicates a disease.
Konakion administration
Konakion is vitamin K. Newborns are often deficient in this vitamin. Even a slight deficiency can have serious consequences for newborns, as it impairs blood clotting. A vitamin K deficiency can lead, in particular, to cerebral haemorrhages. As a precaution, all babies are given a dose of Konakion after birth, then again as part of the newborn screening programme, and finally at their first paediatric check-up at around one month of age. For further information, please contact the nursing staff or your paediatrician.