[Lori Elena]

I just recieved Brian's recent medical report. At the time of the appointment, he was 3 mos and 24 days old. He weighed 15.2 lbs and his height was 64.5 cm. His cephalic circumference was 38.5 cm. According to the percentile charts, he is in the 5th percentile for head circumference. I'm pretty concerned about this. Should I be?

[cortfel]

Hi,
If you are concerned you should for SURE take the info to a pediatrician. THe day we got our referral, we had all of the medical info checked and reviewed by a pediatrician. They told on things that we didint' see in pictures and didn't know to look at in the medical.
Also, you can probably ask for this to be done again.

Best of luck & He is VERY cute!!!!
Cortney

[Ann2006]

Hi,
I know Guatemalan babies' head circumferences are usually smaller, but it wouldn't hurt to ask a doctor at an international adoption clinic for their opinion. It would at least give you some kind of reassurance to get a medical opinion on whether you should be concerned.
Good luck!
Ann

[Steffie]

My son started out at the 5th percentile and worked his way up to the 10th, which is where he is at now at 17 mos. My pediatrian says it is nothing to worry about as long as the baby's head is growing. I.e. if he stays at the 5th not to worry, unless he drops lower.

By the way, my son has a beautiful head! It's perfectly shaped and fits his body wonderfully!

[Guatemommi]

Hi,

I just consulted an international doctor about the same thing, because my (soon-to-be) daughter's head circumference is in the 10th percentile while her weight is in the 50-75th. I was told that most kids are out of proportion, and all they really look for on infants is that they be "on the chart". My first daughter was the same way, and now she is the smartest 2-year-old ever! (at least, I think so!) Get it checked, but I wouldn't worry at all.

Hope this helps,
Guatemommi

[skoi]

Nothing more to add, except that our daughter (from China) had what I thought was a low head circumference, slightly off with the rest of her measurements at nine months. She's home now and seems fine.

Also- it's reassuring to see other people who worry about these things. My older bio kids think I'm obsessed about head circumference, but they don't remember I obsessed over theirs, too.

Julie
(waiting for the homestudy so we can send our paperwork into ICS for our Guatemalan adoption)

[Larue]

Greetings Lori Elena -- According to the International Adoption Pediatrician we consulted with -- HC for Guatemalan babies is generally lower than U.S. babies. They have a chart on their website for Guatemalan boys and girls. Here are the links:

For girls:

http://homepage.mac.com/fmontiel/HeadCircumference.htm

For boys:

http://homepage.mac.com/fmontiel/Hea...erenceBoys.htm

Our sweet baby girl is also in the "low" HC range. But then she's just a little peanut. Only 7 pounds and 1 ounce at her 2 month medical exam. Hoping her 3 month exam next week shows some weight gain.

Best wishes!

[Palmetto Hope]

I'm coming to this thread a little late but wanted to chime in and agree that (1) Guatemalan babies usually are smaller than U.S. babies (2) their head circumferences are usually smaller percentage-wise than their other measurements and (3) as long as their growth is tracking consistently or on a healthy upswing, it shouldn't be a concern.

FWIW my younger son came to us at 8 months of age with a head circumference at barely 3% on a U.S. chart, with weight and length about 10%. He was developmentally miles ahead of four U.S. babies we knew who were born the same week as he. Now at 8 1/2 he is at the top of his class, reading 2-3 years ahead of his grade level, athletic and did I mention handsome <grin>.

So as others have suggested, if you are concerned then plot the growth and if you are still concerned talk to an international adoption medical specialist but make sure it's someone who knows babie from *Guatemala* as opposed to other countries.

Caroline
Mom to David, 8 1/2 (home 8/98); Lisi, almost 8 (home 9/99); and Carlos, 16 1/2 (in Guatemala)

[ccooey]

Like others have said, I wouldn't worry. Our daughter's HC was in the 3rd percentile when we got home and is now in the 10th percentile. She just turned a year old and is walking and already saying many words. She is very bright. I think Guatemalan babies just have small heads.

[mama8]

Something else to think about that no one has mentioned - it is a hard measurement to get, babies squirm and even my regular doctor can not get a good measurement for my daughter - she finally saw a pediatric neurologist for a small head and he basically said all the past measurements were wrong.............

[Kaz99]

Lori-

In reading the experienced posts above, I wouldn't worry. But easier said then done.
Are you seeing an International Adopiton Pediatrician ? We have an excellent facility here. PM or IM me if you want the details.

We got new photos but are waiting for the medical report. Also waiting on DNA !!!!!!!!!!!!

I pray you are comforted and anxieties relieved. And for Brian continued growth and good health.