The pace of growth in a healthy child depends on the genetic structure, that is, your child is born with a genetic structure received from both mother and father, and these genetic codes determine the growth rate.
Environmental conditions such as sports, nutrition, environment and climate. It has an effect on growth.
However, the basis of growth is genetic structure.
- The average length of a newborn born at term is about 50 cm.
- After birth, the average length is 8 cm in the first three months and the second three months.
- In the third and fourth trimesters, it grows by 4 cm.
- The height of a 1-year-old child should be 0.5 times its birth weight, that is, if it was born 50 cm, it should be 75 cm.
- 1-2 Between ages, height is expected to be 10-12 cm per year.
- Between 2-4 years of age, the growth rate slows down further and grows approximately 7 cm per year.
- At the age of 4, a child is twice his birth height. It must be solid. In other words, if it is born 50 cm, it is expected to be 100 cm.
- It is expected to grow 5-6 cm per year from the age of 4 until the age of 10 -12, when puberty begins. A 13-year-old child's height should be three times his birth height. In other words, if he was born 50 cm tall, he is expected to be 150 cm.
He must reach his target height with his growth rate between the ages of 13 and 18. The target height is calculated by us doctors from the height of the mother and father, so each child is different. Height measurement is made with standard height measurement tools. It is measured lying down for the first two years of age, and standing after the age of two. The measured values are evaluated by looking at the growth curves (percentile chart) specially prepared for Turkey. It is desired that growth continues (on the curve) at the birth height percentile.
If it is growing at a lower percentile or a higher percentile than the current percentile, close follow-up. If necessary, it is further examined and if a disease is detected, treatment is started. The ideal times for height measurements are every 3 months from birth until the age of one, every six months from the age of 1 to 4, and every year after the age of 4. We, Pediatricians, measure growth not only by height but also by physical examination and necessary measurements during routine check-ups. We evaluate the child as a whole, taking into account the genetic structure of the child.
So do not neglect your children's routine health checks.
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