Ultrasound examination of the fetus is the main diagnostic method during pregnancy. Ultrasound is performed to assess the growth and development of the baby, to identify abnormalities and pathologies. Typically, fetal ultrasound is prescribed 3 times throughout pregnancy. However, if any suspicious symptoms appear, additional ultrasound diagnostics are performed at different times.
At the Diana Clinic, fetal ultrasound is performed at any week of pregnancy for medical reasons and at the request of the expectant parents.
Normal indicators
As already mentioned, for the first time the size of a newborn’s head is measured immediately after birth. In addition, height, weight, chest girth and some other parameters are recorded. Immediately after birth, the volume of the skull exceeds the diameter of the chest by 1-2 cm. By 3-4 months, these figures become approximately the same, and by one year the chest is several centimeters wider.
After birth, the size of a child’s head is on average up to 34-35 cm. The chest is 32-33 cm. The most active growth of the skull is observed up to 12 months. During this period, its diameter increases by approximately 11-12 cm.
How does the ability to cognition develop?
At 2–3 years old, the baby’s ability to concentrate improves. He can:
- Name colors, sizes, shapes, group and distinguish objects by characteristics;
- Form simple numerical representations (one, two, many, few);
- Remember the location of objects in space (near, far); indicate the place where the toy removed by the adult stood;
- Recognize by touch and name familiar geometric or other figures; identify an item by texture;
- Embody your fantasies in the drawing and tell what is depicted; supplement what an adult has drawn with the missing details;
- Understand the causes and consequences of simple life events and draw analogies (“last time I got my feet wet while walking after heavy rain, which means if today the puddles are still not dry, I might get wet again”);
- Train memory and logic - in similar situations, he is able to discern the system and adapt his behavior to it;
- Demonstrating the purposefulness of actions - now the main thing is not the manipulation of the object, but the result. The baby begins to prefer real objects to toys, in play he imitates what he sees and imitates everything that he has learned from the immediate external environment.
By the age of 3, the child enters the age of “why”: a thousand questions about everything in the world - this is how the child’s cognitive needs develop.
Formula for calculating normal indicators
Every parent can measure the diameter of a child's head. This can be done easily using a special formula. After calculation, its data are compared with the indicators in the table. Let's take the baby's age as approximately 6 months. At this age, the head circumference is usually 42-43 cm. To find out the normal figure, you need to subtract 1.5 cm from each previous month for each month. Example: the diameter of a four-month-old baby's head is 41 cm (41-1.5-1.5=38).
From the age of six months the formula changes slightly. Example: The head size of a nine-month-old baby is 45 cm (45-1.5-1.5=42). These formulas help to calculate the normal dimensions of the skull, but they will only be approximate, because it is also worth taking into account the gender of the toddler (boy or girl), as well as its genetic characteristics. Data for children of different ages and gender can be found in the table.
How is ultrasound performed at different stages of pregnancy?
The content of the article
In the first trimester, ultrasound is performed in two ways - transvaginally or transabdominally. After the 12th week of pregnancy, ultrasound diagnostics are performed only through the anterior abdominal wall.
The method is based on the ability of ultrasonic waves to be reflected differently from body tissues with different densities. As a result, an image of the fetus appears on the device screen in real time. The doctor can assess the size, location and characteristics of the child’s intrauterine development.
A pregnant woman does not require special preparation before an ultrasound. If an examination through the anterior abdominal wall is scheduled before week 12, you should drink 0.5-1 liter of clean water before the procedure. This improves visualization of the fetus. In later stages of pregnancy, this function is performed by amniotic fluid.
Advantages of ultrasound during pregnancy:
- high information content of the method;
- safety for mother and fetus;
- painlessness of the procedure;
- the possibility of repeating the study multiple times at different periods;
- early identification of indications for abortion and induced childbirth;
- detection of conditions that can be corrected in utero.
Table of averages for boys and girls
What should be the normal skull size for children? The data in the table is displayed according to WHO. Here you can find the average head and chest size for toddlers from a month to a year.
Boys
| Child's age in months | Chest circumference in centimeters | Head dimensions in centimeters |
| 1 | 36 | 37 |
| 2 | 39 | 38 |
| 3 | 41 | 40 |
| 4 | 42 | 41 |
| 5 | 44 | 43 |
| 6 | 45 | 44 |
| 7 | 46 | 44.5 |
| 8 | 47 | 45 |
| 9 | 47.2 | 46 |
| 10 | 47.5 | 46.3 |
| 11 | 48 | 46.5 |
| 12 | 48.5 | 47 |
Girls
| Child's age in months | Chest circumference in centimeters | Head dimensions in centimeters |
| 1 | 35 | 36 |
| 2 | 38 | 38 |
| 3 | 40 | 39 |
| 4 | 41 | 40 |
| 5 | 43 | 41 |
| 6 | 44 | 42 |
| 7 | 45 | 43 |
| 8 | 46 | 44 |
| 9 | 46.5 | 45 |
| 10 | 47 | 45.5 |
| 11 | 47.3 | 46 |
| 12 | 47.5 | 46.5 |
In addition, there is a special table that helps estimate the head size of premature babies. Their parameters are slightly different, since they were born earlier than expected. You can determine the norms for premature babies by age using this table.
The data indicated in the table cannot be taken as a basis for all children. Let us remind you that much depends on the individual characteristics of the baby, the presence of certain diseases and developmental defects.
Would you like to receive information on the sizes of children's clothing and hats? Then this article is just for you. It contains a size chart and a lot of other useful information.
What to expect from the three-year crisis
“The three-year crisis” is a rather conventional name: its time period is a year. Some children from 2.5 years old, others later suddenly begin to demonstrate independence, independence, a desire to insist on their own, to prove that they are right. We talk about this in detail here.
Now the baby surprises you: he shows stubbornness, obstinacy and self-will, contradicts you in everything and refuses to do something for the very reason that it was you who demanded it from him. Such negativism is not directed directly at you: now the baby is at war with the whole world, lashing out at everything (and everyone) that gets in his way. This is also a sign of normal development and is an indicator that, psycho-emotionally, the child is more likely to be doing well than vice versa.
Reasons for deviation up or down
At birth, the doctor assesses the volume of the newborn's skull and chest. It often happens that the baby has a large head stretched back, or, on the contrary, it is small. There are a number of reasons why an infant may experience such disorders. But minor deviations are not considered pathologies. In large children, head sizes may exceed the upper values in the table.
Large parents often give birth to children with body parameters that differ from the average norm, and if mom and dad are not large in size, their babies may also inherit this feature of their body constitution. If there are strong deviations from the norm, parents should not ignore this sign; they should definitely look for the cause.
Learn in detail about the development of boys and girls from birth to one year. All the necessary information is here.
Hydrocephalus
The causes of an enlarged skull in a child include such a serious illness as hydrocephalus or dropsy of the brain. The pathology is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in this area. In this case, symptoms such as increased intracranial pressure, nausea, eye pain, mental disorders, neuralgic abnormalities, and a pathologically large head in the baby are noted.
Microcephaly
This disease occurs in both full-term babies and premature infants. If the baby was born with a small skull size, doctors may suspect microcephaly. This refers to a condition in which the patient's brain growth stops. The shape of the head takes on an irregular shape. Another name is brain hypoplasia. At the same time, the growth of the skull itself is disrupted, but the rest of the baby’s organs develop in accordance with the norms. Diagnosis of brain hypoplasia is carried out using ultrasound and other methods.
The disease has a negative impact on the development of the central nervous system of the toddler. This provokes mental retardation and many neuralgic abnormalities. The severity of the disease can range from mild to extremely severe. Microcephaly is considered an incurable disease. If a baby is born with such a deviation, the goals of treatment are to adapt such a patient to social life.
Photos of hydrocephalus and microcephaly
This photo shows hydrocephalus.
This is what microcephaly looks like
Both diseases are considered very serious and require constant medical monitoring.
How communication skills and emotions develop
- A child from 2 to 3 years old is inquisitive and curious; sensitive and empathic: understands the state of another based on his experience, knows how to worry and sympathize, show attention and care; treats people in a friendly, trusting and open manner.
- Treats different family members differently, feels affection for parents and friends.
- He wants to be good, expects praise, is pleased when he is praised, is upset when he is forgotten, worries when he is scolded, and can be offended for a long time; knows how to ask for help with restraint, without hysterics, if he is experiencing difficulties.
- New complex feelings are added to the previous emotions of joy, anger, irritation, and satisfaction: the baby begins to feel proud in case of achievements and feel guilty for wrongdoing.
- At 2 years old, he introduces role-playing elements into the game, and at 3 years old - plot elements: plans his actions (“I will build a house”, “I will treat a doll”), imitates the actions of others (goes to work, cooks dinner, sits at the computer ) and social relationships (the doll can be treated affectionately and strictly).
- Copies and transfers to communication with peers and others the norms and rules of behavior in the family: if at home all controversial issues are resolved peacefully, at the negotiating table, then when playing with children the child will look for compromises, which generally contributes to easier adaptation in the team and socialization.
- By the age of 3, he plays with other children without the participation of adults: he makes acquaintances, involves another child in the game, knowing that in this case it is better to follow certain rules - share toys in order to be accepted into the company; if aggression is shown, you can get change; learns how to behave in difficult and controversial situations; in the game he takes initiative, participates in its planning, takes on roles with pleasure and is aware of them, fantasizes, easily comes up with rules (and just as easily changes them), follows them (in outdoor games); enjoys playing, especially active games.
- Begins to demonstrate clear ideas about his gender identity.
By the age of 3 years, a child is a “self-sufficient” person: the baby knows what he wants and how to achieve it. He rejects the options you offer, gets angry, cries, and can behave aggressively. Allow everything that is not dangerous, and, without entering into emotional disputes, allow the baby to carry out his plans. How else to raise a child to be independent?
How to correctly measure the size of a child's head at home
Let's figure out how to correctly measure the head diameter of a newborn and older children at home using a centimeter. Measurement algorithm:
- The readings are taken in such a way that the measuring tape passes clearly through the area of the occipital protuberance of the baby.
- From the front, a centimeter is placed through the child’s brow ridges.
- You should also measure your chest using a centimeter. In front, the tape is laid in the area of the nipples, and in the back through the lower part of the shoulder blades.
It must be remembered that during the procedure the little one must be calm. If he wriggles and cries, it is unlikely that it will be possible to take exact measurements (more or less). In small children, the body looks a little disproportionate in relation to the head. It's quite normal. Already in a one-year-old toddler this feature will not be so noticeable. With age, the torso becomes more and more proportional. Teenagers aged 12-14 years old have a body that looks like an adult.
You should worry in a situation if the size of the baby’s head deviates greatly from the norm. In such a situation, it is urgent to show the child to a doctor.
We monitor the health of the respiratory tract
The mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract in young children are very delicate, which is why problems with them are so common at the age of 3–4 years. From the nose, infections enter the pharyngeal cavity and beyond, and this often leads to otitis media. To protect the respiratory and speech organs from diseases, it is necessary to teach the child:
- Breathe correctly through the nose (while the air passes through the winding nasal passages, it is cleared of impurities, dust and germs, and also warmed and moistened);
- If possible, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations (do not drink cold food after hot food, do not shout in the street, avoid dampness);
- To a calm, stress-free and shouting manner of speech.
If a child constantly breathes through his mouth, do not ignore it - show him to the doctor to find out the reasons for improper breathing and subsequent treatment.
In order to preserve your child's hearing, you must:
- Treat runny nose;
- Protect your ears from strong or prolonged exposure to external irritants (sharp sound, constant noise);
- Avoid headphones - vibration of the eardrum ultimately leads to hearing impairment;
- For preventive purposes, visit an otolaryngologist once a year.
It is important to pay attention to your child’s complaints of ear pain and promptly contact an ENT specialist.
Choosing a headdress for a baby without measuring head circumference
Choosing a hat and other headwear for babies is sometimes a difficult task for parents. We will tell you how to choose a headdress without measuring the size of your head. You can do this using this table:
| Age | Height in centimeters | Head size in centimeters |
| Newborn toddler | 45-50 | 36 |
| From 1 to 3 months | 50-53 | 36 |
| From 3 to 6 months | 53-60 | 39 |
| 6 months | 60-65 | 39 |
| 9 to 12 months | 57-72 | 42 |
| Up to one and a half years | 73-84 | 44 |
| 2 years | 84-90 | 44-47 |
| 3 years | 90-98 | 48 |
| 4 years | 98-102 | 49 |
| 5 years | 103-108 | 50 |
| 6 years | 109-114 | 51 |
| 7 years | 115-120 | 52 |
| 8 years | 120-124 | 53 |
| 9 years | 125-132 | 54 |
| 10 years | 134-140 | 56 |
Of course, if you have the opportunity to try on a headdress, it is better to take advantage of it. In other situations, the table will come to the rescue.
Physical development: gross and fine motor skills
From 2 to 3 years old, the child consolidates motor skills, which he became acquainted with gradually from the moment he started. Now he hones his mastery of body and limb control, develops dexterity, and increases the speed and accuracy of movements.
Gross Motor Skills
- The child walks well, runs, jumps on two legs, squats and squats, somersaults, rises and walks on tiptoes, steps over obstacles and crawls under them, confidently jumps from a small height, climbs a wall bars, briefly balances and jumps on one leg, can walk along an inclined board, picks up objects while standing, climbs, without losing balance, up the stairs in alternating steps, at 2 years old independently overcomes the descents and ascents of stairs, by 3 years - without holding onto the railings, dances, repeating movements well and feeling rhythm.
- Catches the ball with both hands, when throwing it hits the target (ring, basket), throws it over obstacles, kicks the ball without losing balance, masters a tricycle, scooter, acquires the first skills of swimming, skating and skiing.
- Performs several actions at the same time: sings, claps his hands, spins, dances.
Fine motor skills
- The child operates well with small and thin objects: he can hold a pencil, pen, felt-tip pen with five or four fingers (by the age of 3 years - with three fingers) and draws simple lines and shapes with them, draws a straight line, copies a circle, sculpts from plasticine, strings beads on lace, flips through a book page by page, controls the index fingers of both hands well, begins to master scissors.
- Assembles a pyramid of eight elements, observing the dimensions, builds a tower of eight cubes, puts together plot structures from cubes (house, bridge, steam locomotive).
- Unfastens and fastens buttons and zippers, Velcro on clothes, tries to tie shoelaces; changes clothes on the doll; masters the buttons on the phone and the computer keyboard; deftly handles a spoon, toothbrush, and comb.
Let's sum it up
Each child has its own individual characteristics, including the diameter of the head. Some babies are born with a large body weight, others with a smaller one, the same applies to volumes. It is impossible to name clear boundaries of certain indicators that would certainly indicate any deviations. In medical practice, only average data are used, which doctors rely on. Only a specialist can judge the presence or absence of certain problems in your child after a general examination and the necessary diagnostic methods.
