Soft pulsating fontanel is one of the main indicators of the correct development of the child. At each examination, the pediatrician will check his condition.
When does the fontanel in a newborn overgrow ? To answer this question, we turn to physiology.
The bones of the skull of the newborn are plastic. The skull is not one whole and consists of separate parts. Lock-like seams and fontanelles connect these parts.
The shape of the baby's head depends on how the birth took place. With head presentation , slight deformation may be observed, the skull is slightly elongated into an oval. If the presentation is gluteal, the nape of the crumb is slightly protruding, and the crown is slightly flattened. If the baby was born using cesarean section, then his head has the correct shape.
Very soon, the baby's head will take on its physiological size. This will happen in a few days. If intrauterine deformation has occurred, then it will take from two weeks to a month. The pediatrician will observe the dynamics of overgrowth of the fontanel.
So, is the fontanel in newborns when it overgrows? By three months, its size should be 2.4-2.2 cm. At six months, 2.1-1.8 cm. In one year, the fontanel will close completely, or its size will be within 1 cm.
Due to the unclosed space between the bones of the skull, the baby has the opportunity to fully develop: thanks to this space, the cranium increases, and there is room for the growth of brain tissue.
However, there are situations when a fontanel in a newborn overgrows later or earlier than the due date.
Slow overgrowing suggests that the baby develops rickets or a metabolic disorder. In this case, the child should take vitamin D additionally. You should also walk longer on the street in sunny weather.
If the fontanel in newborns quickly overgrows, then perhaps this is due to hypervitaminosis and can cause increased intracranial pressure. Such babies do not need additional intake of vitamin D. If the baby is breast-fed, then you should consult your doctor about diet and medication. Calcium preparations and fermented milk products, which are present in large quantities on the mother's menu, can provoke a quick closure of the fontanel in the baby.
When the fontanel in a newborn is completely overgrown and what should I pay attention to? Normally, any fontanel should close by 12-18 months. But sometimes it can drag on after six months. If this did not affect the behavior or well-being of the crumbs, then you should not worry. But sour-milk complementary foods in the diet of such children need to be introduced a little later.
Pay attention to external changes of the fontanel.
Sinking in the first weeks of a baby's life indicates a postponed pregnancy. If this is observed later, it means the baby is losing fluid or is malnourished. Often the cause of this can be diarrhea or vomiting.
A protruding fontanel signals intracranial pressure. In this case, you need to visit a neurologist. If the fontanel protrudes during crying, then do not worry. This is normal. You just should rather calm the baby.
It is very important for parents to know when a fontanel in a newborn overgrows. This will help not to miss a possible developing ailment.