Delayed Growth
Alternate Names : Growth - Slow (Child 0-5 Years), Retarded Growth and Development, Slow Rate of Growth, Weight Gain - Slow (Child 0-5 Years)
DefinitionDelayed growth involves poor or abnormally slow gain in weight or height, or both, in a child younger than 5 years old.
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Overview & Considerations
Delayed or slower than expected growth can be caused by many conditions, most of which can be corrected if the problem is recognized and the intervention is timely. Failure to thrive may be accompanied by withdrawn personality and slow mental, physical, and emotional development. Genetic diseases and chronic illness are less common causes of failure to thrive in the U.S. Social and educational causes for failure to thrive are more common.
Often, problems with infants can be prevented or modified with parental education. Expectant parents should arrange for parenting classes. Also, a child should be taken in to see the health care provider on a regular basis for well-baby checkups.
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