New parents have many fears and worries related to the health of the child. Why is it important to measure the circumference of the baby's head and how to do it?
Head circumference - a key indicator of neurological status, proper growth and development of infants. Based on the volume of the head can be understood as a closed fontanelle, as the brain and circulates intracerebral fluid increases. Round head baby becomes about a few weeks after birth, and her circle of influence a number of factors, such as the period of delivery, birth weight, growth and other individual characteristics baby. What is the rate of head circumference in infants and children after a year?
Norma head circumference in infants
What does the circumference of the child / istockphoto.com head
Normally, the circumference of the newborn baby's head does not exceed the girth of his chest and varies between 29-34 cm. But it takes into account many factors that may affect these figures, including individual characteristics. For example, if the parents a big head, and then a baby with birth may be slightly increased head circumference. If at birth figures are very different from the norm, this may indicate intrauterine pathology.
Norms of head circumference in children under one year / open sources
- During the first three months after birth, a maximum increase in head circumference increases an average of 1.5-2 cm each month.
- With four months to a year increase of approximately 1 cm per month.
- By 12 months on average head circumference at the child reaches 44 cm and its active growth slows down.
- For the second year of life, head circumference increased by approximately 1.5-2 cm per year.
- In the third year of life of the baby's head is increased by only 1-1.5 cm.
If the head circumference growth is much greater than the norm, it is sure to appeal to a pediatric neurologist and avoid possible rejection and disease.
How to measure the circumference of your head?
How to measure the circumference of the head / istockphoto.com
As a rule, in the first year of life of the head volume measurements holds a pediatrician at the monthly scheduled scans baby. But in the future you can do it yourself using a soft tape centimeter. Through measurements, it is necessary to attach the tape to the most prominent part of the head through the eyebrow line and a convex back of the head.
Norma head circumference / open sources
If for any reason you are not able to baby planning to visit the pediatrician, be sure to follow all necessary measurements at home, as the testimony of the head circumference, height and weight are extremely important in the first year life. This helps to timely detect any abnormalities in the development of the disease or to cure them and quickly, because the brain - this is an extremely important organ.
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