Early Planning for Newborn Health Needs

Planning for your baby's healthcare needs during pregnancy allows you to make informed decisions without the pressure of the postpartum period. Identifying a paediatrician, understanding the vaccination schedule, and learning about common neonatal conditions helps you feel prepared and confident.

Ideally, select a paediatrician during the third trimester. Ask your gynaecologist for recommendations, and choose a doctor who is accessible, experienced, and with whom you feel comfortable communicating. In Visakhapatnam, many hospitals have paediatric departments that work closely with the obstetric team.

India's National Immunisation Schedule begins at birth with BCG, Hepatitis B, and OPV vaccines. Familiarise yourself with the schedule so you can plan follow-up vaccinations. Your paediatrician will guide you through the complete immunisation programme.

Neonatal jaundice affects a significant proportion of newborns and is usually detected within the first few days of life. Knowing that phototherapy is the standard treatment — and that home-based phototherapy may be an option in mild cases under medical supervision — can help parents feel prepared. Heamac Healthcare provides neonatal phototherapy devices and home phototherapy rental services for families across India.