At around day seven the midwife will do the Guthrie test (heel prick), which involves pricking your baby's heel and placing a few drops of blood onto a card that is then sent to a lab. It can identify a variety of conditions, including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. More often than not, there's nothing to worry about, but if there are any abnormal findings, further tests will be arranged.
NEW-MUM TIP: Although his cries may still seem indistinguishable, you'll soon start to interpret them.
