MANILA, Philippines – Baby Charles Yuri may look healthy and normal but his mother Jennifer Umali is still not assured.

She admits she wasn't able to take much care of herself during her pregnancy, and did not have enough check-up.

To be sure, Umali said she will have her baby undergo newborn screening on Monday.

“Hindi ko masyado napa-check up siya, malaki na ‘yung tiyan ko noong nagpa-check up ako. Nahirapan din ako sa pag-anak kaya gusto ko siya ipa-newborn [screening],” she said.

Newborn screening allows early detection of several medical conditions of infants.

Among them is congenital hypothyroidism, brought about by lack of thyroid hormone, which is essential to the physical and mental development of the baby.

Congenital hypothyroidism could lead to mental retardation if not detected and treated in the child's first two weeks.

Another condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia could mean death if not addressed immediately.

“Kung ma-detect mo ‘yun at 6 months halimbawa, full blown na ‘yung symptoms ng baby, too late na ‘yun,” said neonatologist Dr. Sheila Masangkay.

The Department of Health (DOH) said 4 infants could be saved every hour from mental retardation or death because of newborn screening.

But the Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics said only 10% of the 67 million babies born in Asia goes through the screening.

“Maagang pag-detect, so mabibigyan ng lunas agad,” said Masangkay.

Newborn screening was institutionalized in the Philippines in 2004.

The procedure costs around P550 in most hospitals in the country. -- ANC