HC measurements changing on growth charts?

[wysiwyg]

Every appointment I went to at the MCHN my DD head size was commented on, and like you she was vague really about why is a problem (hydrocephalus seems to be the main thing they are concerned about which is excess fluid on the brain) at 6 months check she said we should mention it to GP next time we visited (we are not frequent visitors to GP so I pressed as to whether should make an appointment and she said yes), saw GP who said yes DD head is large and said to watch for other symptoms (sickly, bulging eyes, bulging fontanelle) and if at next measurement (2 months down line) was off the chart would refer me to a paeditrician. Next measurement she was off chart, different MCHN said 90% of big heads are due to a family reason, but should go back to GP as that is what had been agreed. Saw Paed this week, she basically just checked on DD's development for her age and looked at the curve of her head growth. She is now following a curve but her curve is above 97th percentile, she measured my head (57.4cm) and DH (60cm) and said that DD looks fine she just has a big head due to genetics . If there is a ever a spike in her measurements then we should go back, but if she is following the same curve then all is good. Her head growth spurt seemed to be between 3 and 7 months.(My DD is also 75th for weight and height, hc started at 35 and is now 47).

So I would measure both parents heads, as that made me feel more comfortable about it, and just look out for any of the symptoms (e.g. sicklyness, bulging eyes, fontanelle that is bulging all the time (not the pulsing that is normal)) until the next measurement (I also used to measure it myself just to reassure myself as found I did fixate a bit on the size of her head). As Curly said and as the MCHN and Paed told me most cases large heads are due to family genetics but they just have to be cautious that isn't due to fluid.

[Fleur]

Thanks everyone ... I do feel much better reading all your replies very reassuring.

She looks in proportion to me, and her development is great, none of the other things mentioned, eyes fontanelle etc is all normal... so likely genetics I guess.

It's not something that has ever come up before with any of the other kids so that's probably one reason I worried a bit... but they all throw something different at you, huh

[*Beema*]

Aww hun, she looks just gorgeous in your photo and I am sure if just perfect

We went through a bit of sacre during one of DD's hospital admissions last year, they did all of her measurements and came back with, her height being on the 10th, weight on the 25th and her HC on the 95th We ended up have a few training Dr's and two Paed come and measure and check her over and in the end they decided that it was normal for her as she was showing no unusual signs to be of concern. Just happens to be across a few different percentiles, but she looks perfectly in proportion to me

[Fleur]

Just coming back to update this, we went back to be re-measured today & it has moved up again.

It was 45cm (97th centile), now it is 46.1 - just above the 97th percentile.

So we are off to get an ultrasound - when I can find somewhere that can fit us in!

Dr was reassuring, she said if everything else is great (and it is) then it's probably nothing to worry about....I kind of freaked out anyway, but I'm a sook like that. I'm sure it will be fine

[*Beema*]

Thankyou for the update jasp, I hope the scan goes well for you and your DD It is good to hear the Dr is positive about it as well.

Will be thinking of you and hopefully you get is soon so you don't have to wait it out too long

[Fleur]

thanks Beema.

We had the scan today - I was a bit frustrated when the sonographer said they usually only scan younger babies, at Pie's age the fontanelles are usually too closed to get a good look at the brain. But she did it & must have seen enough, she said she couldn't see any signs of hydrocephalis.

Poor Pie screamed the whole way through though - she did not like having her head held still!

Dr appt on Monday for the report, although I am reassured after today.

[Willow]

I have been through this with both of my melon headed sons Head circs off the charts (literally) and they were both on monthly to 3 monthly checks until at least 12 months (DS2 is only 8 months but have another check up in April and would expect this to continue until he is at least 12 months).

We had xrays and u/sounds done for both boys from about 3 months. DS1 was totally fine, DS2 had borderline fluid build up and they also found a cyst. It was very stressful but our paed ordered repeat scans at the children's hospital (basically more experienced staff and better equipment) and these scans were fine.

Basically both my husband and I have big heads and the boys inherited it. Since going through this ourselves, I have encountered soooooo many parents who have been through the same thing and not ONE baby had anything abnormal going on.

It is stressful but I'm sure she'll be just fine