milestones

hriesen4

I have a quick question for you ladies.  DD was born at 36 weeks, so she was technically a full-term baby.  I'm not really knowledgable about preemie things, so please don't flame me. 

Is it common for early/preemie babies' milestones to be delayed?  I've noticed that even tho she's a little older than some of the babies we know, she hits milestones (head control, giggles, coos, reaching out) later. 

My MIL makes a big deal out of this.  I think it's just bc DD needs a little extra time.  It may not be a ton of time, but baking for another 4 weeks seems like a lot of time for a baby.  Is this something I can actually tell MIL?

TIA

mcdev

You are absolutely right.  While some babies born at your daughter's gestation, might hit milestones just as the books tell you, I think it is just as common for her to hit milestones in relation to  her adjusted age (4 weeks younger).  If you are really concerned, I would speak to your pediatrician, but I'll bet he'll say the same thing.  Plus, the range of "normal" is so broad at that age even if she was born right at 40 weeks.  Good luck!

clyoungsey

Good answer pp...ditto!

hriesen4

Ok...Thanks ladies.  That's exactly what I thought.  At our appts, he says she a happy, healthy baby.  That's always been great for me to hear!  I never asked him the question (like in OP) to really know for sure.  Again...Thanks for your help.