[Suz1976]

Hi everyone! We are looking at a waiting child through our agency. I'm not a mom yet, so I don't know what "head circumference is below the 3%" means exactly. Is this a really bad thing? He also has "mild hydronephrosis" which I've looked up and found isn't that serious of a condition. Just wondering if you moms out there can help me with the head circumference. His birth weight was 7 lbs. and he was full term if that helps too.
Thanks!
Suzanne

[nicki56]

There is a whole lot of info out there on head circumference, so I don't think my comments would help. I strongly suggest you have an Int'l Adoption Dr. take a look at the medical before seriously considering the child. Depending on the overall growth pattern there could be an issue or not... just depends on the overall picture. Here is a good link to find out a little more.

Nicki

http://www.orphandoctor.com/medical/.../headcirc.html

[caseymunn]

Suzanne,


I agree that you should have your pediatrician look over the info, but I will explain that "head circumference below the 3%" means that 97% of babies that age have larger heads. Obviously that means she has a small head for her age. It can be a problem for a baby's head to be too small or too large. I will tell you that my biological son's head is at 90% which is obviously larger than normal and he's absolutely perfect! A pediatrician would definitely be able to shed more light on the subject though. Good luck!

[Suz1976]

Thanks to you both! I think I'll contact our agency and see what else they can send me on the child. Just wanted to know if it's even something we would be willing to deal with. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the dr. says. But thanks again!

Suzanne

[hlaclair]

Suzanne,

Small head circumference can be quite a problem. But, it can be perfectly normal too. The problem with a small head circ. is that it can indicate that the brain is not growing properly and there could be severe consequences. If the child is developing normally so far, it could just be that a small head is genetic and not indicative of a brain abnormality.

Both of my children have tiny heads and are perfectly normal. Brett's was in the 3% range and Mira's was in the 10% range. I was a bit worried about Brett's but he is very smart. Mira, at 15 months, is still wearing a 0 to 6 month hat from The Gap, although she will soon need the 6 to 12 months size. Brett is in the 6 to 12 month size still at 2!

Holly

[Suz1976]

Hi Holly!
Thanks for your reply. It's so hard to know if it is going to be a problem or not. I know this little guy has some other issues but they say his development is on track - so who knows. I'm glad your children are just fine even though their heads were small and were in or near the same percentile. I'm not sure what we will do. We are still considering it and may request more info for our dr. to look over.
Thanks again for your input. It is greatly appreciated!
Suzanne