How to know about your childs growth

Growth Charts

 Just look at a photo of a class, you will see kids in all shapes and sizes even though they are all of the same age! Some kids look tiny while others look as if they are from a higher grade.
 Most of them are healthy and growing at their own pace and that's perfectly normal. Ever wondered how does your doctor figure out whether a child's height and weight are "normal"? Whether he or she is developing on the right track?

A doctor or other health care providers use growth are charts to find answer to few of these questions.

Which growth Charts

There are diffrent growth charts for boys and girls as they have a different pattern of growth as well as a different final height. A chart which suits a given region and population is selected by your doctor.

First impressions may not be everything

 While a single marking of the childs height and weight may reveal that the child is short, several recordings over a period of time is much more valuable in making a diagnosis. Hence a regular follow-up is very essential. Your endocrinologist will also interpret the recordings taking into consideration the overall well-being, genetic background and also how tall are the parents etc.

Can you show me a growth chart commonly used for indian boys and girls?

Sure, Here are two charts one for girls and other for boys.

Growth chart for girls:

1. Look at X axis, for your age
2. Look at Y axis, for your height/weight 
3.Plot the intersection point for height/weight graph.

"Blue" color region suggests that one is shorter and lighter for her age, and requires medical attention.

Growth chart for boys:

1. Look at X axis, for your age
2. Look at Y axis, for your height/weight 
3.Plot the intersection point for height/weight graph.

"Orange" color region suggests that one is shorter and lighter for his age, and requires medical attention.

What are the tests your doctor may order?

Testing depends on the suspected cause. It may include:

• A bone age x-ray that tells us how your child's bones are maturing.
• Blood tests to check:
• • How well your child's organs are working.
• • For anemia.
• • Hormone levels.
• • For genetic or other types of issues.
• Urine tests to look for infection and clues to how well the kidneys are working.
• Repeat measurements of height and weight.

What is the treatment for short stature?

The treatment depends upon the cause. Read our next section regarding treatment for short stature..