(an overview of what can cause children's growth failure)
What is Normal Growth?
Growth is divided into four stages. The first occurs before birth and the remaining three at stages of childhood before the bones fuse at the end of puberty. In this section we will describe all four stages of growth.
Fetal Growth (Growth before Birth)
The first and maybe the most important stage of growth occur before birth. Ultrasonography examinations allow the medical team to assess your baby’s growth rate and development stage even before they are born. This with the help of your estimated date of conception assists in predicting the delivery date of your baby – it’s just like a web based search engine, they look for the keys to get you to the correct place!
Figure 1 Ultrasonography of unborn fetus
Growth in Childhood and Puberty
Growth of length and weight during the first two years of life is extremely rapid after which it settles down to a very steady rate of growth from about the age of three and continues at about two inches (5 cm) a year until right before puberty when the influence of hormones produces the pre pubertal growth spurt. The pre pubertal growth spurt together with changes to the sexual characteristics of the child are a great indicators that puberty is about to start. Trust me; you will notice the onset of puberty in your child!
The chart below contains data recorded by Count Philippe de Montbeillard between 1759 and 1777; it clearly demonstrates the growth of his son during his childhood. The only thing that has really changed since 1777 is that we continue to grow in height by generations. The important point to note in this chart is the steady pattern of growth rather than the position on the chart. There are two charts below the first shows the growth over time, its like a miles driven on your car, it tells you how far you have to go, the second chart is like a speedometer that tells you how fast you are growing.
