Medical things to consider when adopting a child domestically from the United States.

There are many families that look forward to adopting a child in the US. This can, in fact, prove to be a very rewarding experience for them though to get the most, it is important to address a few important issues. In particular, you need to learn about things like health and medical care of your adopted child. These aspects need to be addressed before and during as well as after adoption. Here is a look at the medical things you need to consider when adopting a child domestically from the US.

Open or semi-open adoptions
If you plan on an open or even a semi-open adoption, then you won’t find it hard to get health information about the child you plan on adopting. In open adoptions, you can help to arrange for the birth mother’s prenatal care and you can accompany her when she visits the doctor. You can also be present at the time of birth and you can get the child’s health records through an agency or attorney.

Adopting an older child: 
If, however, you plan on adopting a child that is older, then it is possible for you to ascertain their health by spending time with them and also by acting like a foster parent. It is a good idea to get as much medical information about the child before adoption. There are several things you need to know including the child’s age and ethnic background. You also need to know the child’s education level, occupation, and height as well as weight and the medical condition of the child’s parents.

History of diseases
Other medical things that you need before adopting a child include his or her history of diseases or medical conditions as well as the diseases and medical conditions running in the child’s family. You should also get to know the state of health of the child’s siblings. Other pieces of information that you need include whether the birth mother smokes or drinks alcohol. You also need to find out whether the birth mother took drugs during pregnancy and whether or not she used prescription medications or over-the-counter medications during pregnancy.

Birth mother’s medical history
It is also a good idea to find out whether the birth mother had any sexually transmitted diseases that could affect the health of the child you plan on adopting. It is also necessary to find out whether the birth mother received prenatal care and whether she underwent any tests during pregnancy. Finally, you need to know whether she had any problems during pregnancy or labor or even during delivery.

Medical history of the child
There is also some information you need to get regarding the child including his or her weight and height as well as the circumference of the head at and after birth. You need to know whether or not the child suffered from any medical problems and what were the results of any medical tests conducted on the child. Also, be sure to find out how the child developed in relation to regular age measurements like the ability to sit and walk as well as talk. You also need to know a little bit about the child’s personality and relationship with others. Finally, be sure to get information about the child’s care after birth and whether he or she was subjected to any physical or sexual or emotional abuse.

By: George Rogu M.D. CPE

For Domestic or International Adoption Medical Records Review.