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Delayed growth

• Overview
• Treatment

Definition:

Delayed growth involves poor or abnormally slow gains in weight or height in a child younger than 5 years old.

See also: Short stature

Alternative Names:

Growth - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Weight gain - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development

Considerations:

A child should be taken in to see the health care provider on a regular basis for well-baby checkups.

See the following for more information:

• Infant - newborn development
  • Developmental milestones record - 2 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 4 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 6 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 9 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 12 months
• Toddler development
  • Developmental milestones record - 18 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 2 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 3 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 4 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 5 years

Common Causes:

Delayed or slower-than-expected growth can be caused by many different things, including genetics, nutrition, infections, chronic diseases, and psychosocial health. Many children with delayed growth also have delays in development.

See also: Failure to thrive

• Review Date: 2/14/2007
• Reviewed By: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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