Head circumference

[curlywig]

Just wondering what the significance is of head circumference and the percentile ranking from the ped. Is it one tool to diagnose/spot developmental problems? I'm sure somewhere in one of my books this is covered, but I figured an experienced momma might already know.

TIA!

[Renrel]

I believe there is a link between a very fast growth in head circumfance and some illness, possibly down syndrom. If they note that kind of growth than the will look more closely at other factors to make sure they catch the illness early.

[emschwar]

There's a link between fast HC growth and autism. It's not 100%, but they believe growth in HC that is very fast is a warning sign of autism.

HC is also measured to show brain growth. According to my ped, the 2 "important" measurements are length and HC, because those show skeletal growth and brain growth. Weight is important too, but less important than skeletal grown and brain growth.

[Renrel]

emschwar - Thanks for the correction. I remembered that it was connection with one of the illnesses that we all worry about and that early intervention is vital for but I did not remember the right one.

[Toonces]

They also look for a consistent growth trend. My DD's head is in the 99th percentile, but always has been (even in utero it was big) so that's fine. If your baby's head is in the 40th percentile and then shoots up off the charts, then that might be a cause for concern.

[Kristeen]

Ditto what Catgirl said. DS has a large noggin, 99% compared to 50% on his length. The nurse usually measures twice! But it has always been big, and DH has a large Mench head, so it's fine.

[ce_Kathleen]

They do watch the head circ. to see that it is growing consistently. If he suddenly jumps percentiles it can mean there is water on the brain, possibly a tumor, and it may show the likelyhood of autism.

My DS head just jumped off the charts at his 9 month appt. All along he has had a large head (99%) but then at our 9 month appt it literally jumped off the page. We had to go see a neurologist and have a head ultrasound and examination. They also looked at my and DH's head and our family history. Turns out my DS and DH just have really big heads so there is nothing wrong but it was quite a scare for a short time!

[annielynn]

I was told the same thing. As long as there is growth. I was kind concerned about this since my DS HC is only in the 10th percentile. But every visit to the ped shows growth and he is completely with in the range of development for his age. He just has a little noggin.

[curlywig]

Thanks everyone. I figured DS was fine b/c the ped didn't say there was a problem, but I had so many questions for her, I forgot to ask this one.

DS is85% in weight, 50% in length (despite the fact DS is almost 6'5"!) and 25% in head circ.

I appreciate all the responses!

[girlygirl]

What kind of a leap would be cause for concern? My DS just had his 4 month check up and his HC went from the 50th percentile to the 85th. His height went from the 65th to the 97th, and his weight is off the charts! The doctor didn't mention anything, but I remembered this thread and thought I'd see what you experienced moms thought. Thanks!

[Sebski]

My DS just had his 10w appt and they measured his head but didn't give us a percentile for it. He measured 41.5cm... is there someplace online that lists the percentiles?

[BooeyJ2]

My DS just had his 10w appt and they measured his head but didn't give us a percentile for it. He measured 41.5cm... is there someplace online that lists the percentiles?


Here you go.....
http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/usefultools/l/bl_percentiles.htm