U examinations - from u1 to u9 - what the pediatrician examines

What is done in the individual screening tests?

Each U-examination includes the standard examinations, additional age-specific examinations and tests as well as a medical consultation about age-related key issues.

U-examination – standard examinations

Body weight, height and head circumference are determined. The values are entered in percentile curves in the yellow children’s examination booklet and provide information about age-appropriate development.
Physical examination (breast, abdominal, genital, skeletal, skin, sensory, motor and nervous system)

Review of age-appropriate development in mobility, understanding, speaking and dexterity.
Medical advice on age-specific focus topics (e.g. vaccination appointments, complementary food start, dental care, accident prevention, sleep problems)

U-examination – U 1 – initial examination directly after birth

When: right after birth

Body weight and height are determined
Examination of all vital functions (breathing, heartbeat, pulse, muscle tension, appearance and reflexes) The points / values achieved are recorded in the so-called APGAR scheme. The APGAR value should be between 8 and 10.

The individual letters stand for:
A – breathing;
P – pulse (heartbeat)
G – basic attitude
A – Appearance (skin color)
R – reflexes

Examination for visible damage or malformation
Vitamin K drops to prevent internal bleeding (after consultation with the parents)

U-examination – U 2 – newborn basic examination

When: 3rd – 10th day

This U-study done by the treating pediatrician in the hospital. The U 2 examination is usually carried out on or shortly before the day of discharge.

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out:

Vitamin K drops to prevent internal bleeding (2nd dose)
Carrying out the Advanced Newborn – Scrennings: In this examination, the blood (blood is taken from the heel) of your child is checked for rare congenital metabolic diseases (including hypothyroidism) and hormonal disorders examined.
Realization of the newborn – hearing screening: In this examination possible congenital hearing disorders are recognized early. The sound is measured in the ear canal. It is painless and can also be performed on sleeping babies.
To prevent rickets and caries, doctors recommend taking vitamin D and fluorine tablets (combined preparation) from the 10th day of life.

Medical advice on the following topics:

Abnormalities such as respiratory arrest, cramps, difficulty swallowing or difficulty drinking
sudden child death
vaccination
Baby care

U-examination – U 3 – first examination at your pediatrician

When: 4th – 5th week

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out.

Hip ultrasound screening for the early detection of hip dysplasia
Checking eye reaction and hearing
third and last dose of vitamin K drops

Medical advice on the following topics

Discussion of bowel movements / digestion
Child’s crying behavior (shrill or powerless)
Accident prevention
Notification of upcoming vaccinations

U-examination – U 4 – first vaccination date

When: 3rd – 4th month

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out

Checking eyesight and hearing
Testing age-appropriate responsiveness (eye contact, smile, interest in toys offered and parents’ calls)
Testing language development (syllable doubling)

Medical advice etc. on the following topics

Eating and drinking behavior
digestion
Accident prevention
1st vaccination date

U examination – U 5 – mobility is increasing

When: 6th – 7th month

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out

Checking eyesight and hearing
Control of the child’s mobility, body control and dexterity

Medical advice on the following topics

Oral hygiene and tooth-friendly nutrition
Accident prevention

U-examination – U 6 – early childhood begins

When: 10th – 12th month

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out

Control of mobility, body control and dexterity of the child (crawling, crawling, standing)
Checking eyesight and hearing

Medical advice etc. on the following topics

dental care
linguistic development and behavior
Eating and drinking behavior
Accident prevention

U-examination – U 7 – right in the middle of infancy

When: 21st to 24th month

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out

Control of the child’s mobility, body control and dexterity
Age-appropriate language development (two-word sentences)
Checking eyesight and hearing

Medical advice on the following topics

Difficulty in behavior (sleep disorders, wetting, difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration in play)
Accident prevention
Vaccination status is checked

U-examination – U 7a – from toddler to kindergarten child

When: 34th – 36th month

The U-study U 7a was newly launched in July 2008 and is intended to close the gap between the U 7 and U 8. The costs incurred for the examination, as with all other U examinations, are borne by the health insurance companies.

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out

Detection and treatment of allergies, socialization and behavioral disorders
overweight
Eyesight check: Does your child see equally well in both eyes? If you have poor eyesight?
Control of age-appropriate language development (speak and understand)
Vaccination status is checked

U-examination – U 8 – preschool age begins

When: 46th – 48th month

In addition to the standard examinations listed above, the following examinations are carried out

Checking eyesight and hearing
Control of the child’s physical and mental development
Control of urine
Age-appropriate language development (speaking in sentences, understanding, pronunciation mistakes, stuttering)

Medical advice on the following topics

teeth
Difficulty in behavior (sleep disorders, wetting, difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration in play)
Accident prevention
Vaccination status is checked