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Should A Preterm Of 10 Days Be Considered While Screening For Microcephaly?
Posted on
Mon, 1 Dec 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 1 Dec 2014
Answered on
Sat, 27 Dec 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : My daughter was born at 6.5 lbs and her head circumference was ~ 32 cm. (hospital measured 33 but
first pediatrician visit measured 32cm). This value is right on the 2 SD growth chart line and I am
concerned because the definition of microcephaly is a head circumference less than 2 SD.
At her 4th check in (1 month old) her head has grown 2.3 cm in one month (faster than expected)
but she only caught up to the 3rd percentile for head circumference. She is ~20 % for height and weight.
If the rapid head growth continues I am hopeful she will pull above and remain above the 5% mark.
My wife was considered high risk since she was 39yr old and under went extensive quantitative ultra
sounds every month and my daughters brain structures appeared to be normal for her gestational age
which was based on a number of factors including the size of her bones in-utero.
My daughter was born 10 days early. Should this be considered when using growth charts to assess
her risk for microcephaly? Our pediatrician does not appear overly concerned since she is growing well.
Thanks in advance.
first pediatrician visit measured 32cm). This value is right on the 2 SD growth chart line and I am
concerned because the definition of microcephaly is a head circumference less than 2 SD.
At her 4th check in (1 month old) her head has grown 2.3 cm in one month (faster than expected)
but she only caught up to the 3rd percentile for head circumference. She is ~20 % for height and weight.
If the rapid head growth continues I am hopeful she will pull above and remain above the 5% mark.
My wife was considered high risk since she was 39yr old and under went extensive quantitative ultra
sounds every month and my daughters brain structures appeared to be normal for her gestational age
which was based on a number of factors including the size of her bones in-utero.
My daughter was born 10 days early. Should this be considered when using growth charts to assess
her risk for microcephaly? Our pediatrician does not appear overly concerned since she is growing well.
Thanks in advance.
Brief Answer:
10 days should be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Head circumference charts refer to children born at 36 weeks so if a baby is born before 36 weeks, this time should be considered in evaluating growth aspects. If your baby is having a constant growth in weight, height and head circumference in harmony to psychological development (corresponding her age), then you have nothing to worry about. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
10 days should be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Head circumference charts refer to children born at 36 weeks so if a baby is born before 36 weeks, this time should be considered in evaluating growth aspects. If your baby is having a constant growth in weight, height and head circumference in harmony to psychological development (corresponding her age), then you have nothing to worry about. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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