Healthy Adoption Abroad

As The Early Show's adoption series continues, we look at a major question for prospective parents when adopting a baby from another country: will the child be healthy?

The Early Show Medical Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay explains the variety of health problems that may come up along the adoption process.

Pediatrician Dr. Jane Aronson knew what to expect when she adopted her own son Ben from Vietnam. She is one of a growing number of medical experts in the area of international adoption.

"You have to be prepared to take of whatever comes your way," Aronson says. "Certainly with kids who are living in institutions abroad. Those are the kids that are going to have more issues."

Aronson helps prospective parents identify medical problems by reviewing records and by looking at videotapes before the child is brought to America.

Problems with development can be spotted by how babies interact with those around them.

"Babies, when they're cute, look normal," Aronson explains. "What we're looking at specifically is the babies eye contact, and they're ability to relate to the people that they're engaging with."

During her talk with Senay, Aronson examined one baby that was responsive and made sounds.

"What's nice about him is that he's able to bear weight, he's holding on," Aronson says. "He's not moving along the railing, so it's my supposition that this baby is not strong enough to pull himself to a stand."

Aronson explains the goal of the examination is to help parents understand what particular needs a child will have, not to make a judgment about whether or not a baby should be adopted.

"I really try to stick with what I see, describe it and interpret it and help the parents understand the development that we see and how that relates to the age of the baby," Aronson says.

The doctor says that despite setbacks in the beginning, babies adopted internationally, such as her son Ben, catch up and do well in the long run.

"He is just on target and he's a happy little guy," Aronson says. "My experience is that the vast majority of families are extremely pleased with how their kids do, but it's hard work."

Not all countries use videotapes, and there can be a range of other health issues to be tackled, depending on the child's previous care and the country of origin.

Most babies receive check-ups before leaving their initial home country. There are requirements by the government in order for a baby to gain entry into America. And, it's possible in some cases to employ an independent doctor to do a checkup for you.