Well Child Exam

A well-child exam is true to its name: it helps your child stay healthy. At Southside Pediatric Center in Petersburg, Virginia, premier pediatrician Mary Catherine Arrieta, MD, CPG, provides well-child exams starting with newborn care and continuing through adolescence. Well-child exams can ensure your child’s physical, mental, and emotional needs are met so they can avoid illness and enjoy life. Book your child’s wellness exam online or call the office to schedule an appointment now.  

What are well-child exams?

Well-child exams evaluate your child’s health, development, and well-being and help them stay well. These exams are a routine part of medical care for all children starting shortly after birth. More than just a physical exam, well-child visits encompass the whole child. 

What happens during well-child exams?

Well-child exams can be different at every age, but in general, the main aspects of this exam include a health history and a discussion of current health and wellness. Dr. Arrieta also checks many aspects of your child’s health, including: 

• Height and weight
• Hearing
• Vision
• Heart rate
• Respiratory rate

Compiling all this information and comparing it to previous exams allows Dr. Arrieta to identify patterns, changes, and possible problems. 

A well-child exam can include annual flu shots and other types of routine immunizations your child needs. 

If your child has any long-term medical problems, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, asthma, or diabetes, Dr. Arrieta reviews your current care plan at the well-child visit and can make any necessary changes.  

Well-child exams are also a good time to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and gather essential information. 

As your child ages, especially moving into adolescence, they’ll take a more active role in the exams. Dr. Arrieta has more than 40 years of experience communicating with children of all ages on their level. 

How often should my child have well-child exams?

Exam frequency depends on age. 

Newborn care

The newborn period is when your child needs the most frequent exams. They’ll typically see Dr. Arrieta a few days after birth and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 months, and yearly therafter. 

Childhood care

From age 3 until adolescence (usually around age 10-19 years old), your child typically needs well-child exams once a year.

Adolescent care

Throughout adolescence, until around age 19, your child needs to continue their annual exams. 

Well-child exams are crucial for good general health and well-being, but sometimes your child might get sick or have a minor injury. You can book a same-day sick visit at Southside Pediatric Center anytime. 

Additionally, you can schedule a sports physical if your child plans to play a school sport or start any new exercise routine. 

Schedule your child’s well-child exam from Petersburg’s leading compassionate pediatrician by calling Southside Pediatric Center or booking a visit online now.