Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does Fetus Head Circumference Of 39cm Indicate?
Question: My baby's head circumference was 39 cm when she was 2 and half months old
Today when she is 5 months 1 week old it still measures 39 cm. However her weight and height has increased significantly;weight 6.97 kgs and height is 66 cms .should I be concerned about her head circumference growth.is it normal.she has had viral fever and an ear infection in the past.should I see a paediatrician immediately.she also has ger grade 3.
Today when she is 5 months 1 week old it still measures 39 cm. However her weight and height has increased significantly;weight 6.97 kgs and height is 66 cms .should I be concerned about her head circumference growth.is it normal.she has had viral fever and an ear infection in the past.should I see a paediatrician immediately.she also has ger grade 3.
Brief Answer:
You definitely need to see a pediatrician and keep the baby under follow up
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing on HealthcareMagic.
In general, the head circumference increases approximately by 1.9 cm per month upto 2 months, then by 1.6 cm per month for next 4 months. This increase is an indication of continued brain growth. Although I am not quite sure if the first recording of head circumference was correct since we often find newborns with lower head circumference, lack of growth of head circumference if actually present, is definitely a cause for concern. That the weight gain is proper, seems a bit reassuring but other clinical correlations need to be made as well. I would definitely suggest that you get in touch with a pediatrician and get the child evaluated. You need not panic or hurry. Scheduling an appointment should be fine.
I would not really bother about the other ailments that your child had.
Hope that helps.
In case you found my answer to be helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
You definitely need to see a pediatrician and keep the baby under follow up
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing on HealthcareMagic.
In general, the head circumference increases approximately by 1.9 cm per month upto 2 months, then by 1.6 cm per month for next 4 months. This increase is an indication of continued brain growth. Although I am not quite sure if the first recording of head circumference was correct since we often find newborns with lower head circumference, lack of growth of head circumference if actually present, is definitely a cause for concern. That the weight gain is proper, seems a bit reassuring but other clinical correlations need to be made as well. I would definitely suggest that you get in touch with a pediatrician and get the child evaluated. You need not panic or hurry. Scheduling an appointment should be fine.
I would not really bother about the other ailments that your child had.
Hope that helps.
In case you found my answer to be helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Her head circumference was 33cm at birth.her Date of birth 11th Oct 2014.on 23rd January 2015 during her 14th week vaccination her hc was recorded to be 40 cm.i just cross checked all her medical records once again.all these recordings where done by the same paediatrician we have been seeing since her birth.today we saw a different paediatrician and he recorded her hc as 39cm.now I m more concerned as according to today's recording her head circumference has reduced. I am seeing a paediatrician tomorrow.what complications can this cause for my baby.her motor skills like grabbing objects reaching for objects etc. All seem to be normal .
Brief Answer:
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
In general the head circumference at birth is around 35cm (33cm is reasonable). A growth to 39 or 40cm in 5 months is acceptable. I feel that there were interpersonal differences in the measurements and hence the difference. I do not expect the head circumference to have regressed from 40cm to 39cm. Overall, I do not think that there is anything to worry, especially since the child is otherwise thriving well and is progressing on the developmental milestones.
I would insist you to remain under the follow up of a single doctor so that the measurement procedures remain constant. Chart the developments on a growth chart. You may ask your doctor for one or may just Google one out and get a print. If the progress seems to be optimal, there should not be any reason to worry.
Hope that helps.
In case you found my answer to be helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
In general the head circumference at birth is around 35cm (33cm is reasonable). A growth to 39 or 40cm in 5 months is acceptable. I feel that there were interpersonal differences in the measurements and hence the difference. I do not expect the head circumference to have regressed from 40cm to 39cm. Overall, I do not think that there is anything to worry, especially since the child is otherwise thriving well and is progressing on the developmental milestones.
I would insist you to remain under the follow up of a single doctor so that the measurement procedures remain constant. Chart the developments on a growth chart. You may ask your doctor for one or may just Google one out and get a print. If the progress seems to be optimal, there should not be any reason to worry.
Hope that helps.
In case you found my answer to be helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you Doctor .One last question what is the ideal way of measuring head circumference.is it not the measurement of the widest part of the head.The tape is places right above the eyebrows, above the ear to the centre/midpoint of the back of the head ,right?
Brief Answer:
Follow the link
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
The following link would be of relevance to you:
http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/health-professionals/clinical-guidelines/head-circumference-measuring-a-child/
Hope that helps.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Follow the link
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
The following link would be of relevance to you:
http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/health-professionals/clinical-guidelines/head-circumference-measuring-a-child/
Hope that helps.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
