Remind me not to worry about percentiles.

3litttlebirds

So because the pedi never gives us DS's percentiles based on his adjusted age, I tried a few percentile calculators online. He is still very low even for his adjusted age. I know he's small overall because he was small for his gestational age the last few weeks that I was pregnant, so it shouldn't be a huge surprise. But I just couldn't believe how low his percentiles actually were...especially for length and head circumference. He's got chubby cheeks, triple chins, and rolls on his arms and legs. He doesn't look particularly short to me and his head looks normal to me. But, now I'm a bit worried.

I know, I know...I shouldn't be if the doctor is not...and he is showing growth in all areas at each appointment and meeting milestones...but still...stupid google for letting me look this up.

DrRx

Adalyn is at the 0.5 percentile for height and weight and 2.9 percentile for head circumference.  However, when you do the weight-for-length, she's in the 40s or 50s.  So, she's just small, but proportionate. 

 

urbanflowerpot

We become obsessed with numbers as a preemie mom - so I'm reminding you not to worry. If your pedi isn't even adjusting then take that as a huge OK sign

tngrl3

N is very similar age to your little one (he was also 6 weeks early). He doesn't make the growth curve either. My pediatrician isn't worried though and says he is making his own curve. His head was barely on the chart at his 4 month visit. He is currently 11 lbs and 22 inches which is a long way from the 3 lbs 10 oz and 16.5 inches he was when he was born. I try not to worry about it too much as long as he is growing and is happy. 

jehprb

Ditto the others - not everybody can be 97% percentile :-)  Following their own curve is more important.  For what it's worth my preemie (32w3d) just turned 7 and is still right at or just below the bottom of the weight chart and he's perfectly healthy :-)

ashk7

Agree with all the others. I have found that being through the NICU has made me a germ a phobe and obsessed with numbers! DD is a peanut like me, I was never on the growth charts but always followed my own curve and I turned out just fine! Well depending on who you ask.... Lol!

3litttlebirds

Thanks, ladies, for making me feel better.

jacque_z

My D's pedi told me this and it stuck with me.  He said "I have full term kids in the 5th percentile and if I don't worry about them, there is no way I'm going to worry about her being in the 5th percentile".  I know it's hard not to worry but I will tell you it gets better with time.  We are 2+ years out and I don't even pay attention to percentiles anymore. 

nicole0066

Not every kid is going to be in the 50th percentile  if they are growing and developing on their curve it is just fine.  Even if they drop a little in one area that isn't necessarily cause for concern.  My LO is tiny, but even if she was full term or overdue I doubt she would be much bigger.  I am very short and petite and my H is not very big either.  I know I fall at the low end of percentiles and I am just fine. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry!

AliciaS1411

CurlingRocks:

Best advice I ever got on the topic:

Someone has to be the 3rd percentile.  If your baby is growing along it, it doesn't matter what everyone else is doing.

This is what our pedi said to us. Elliot sits in the 3rd percentile consistently and his size does bother me because I feel like I failed him in a lot of ways (couldn't carry to term, couldn't BF). But as long as he's following his curve he should be fine.  

alitria

Another thing that made me waaaaayyyyy calmer.  I used the online one to calculate using stats just barely above my baby.  When I saw how much difference it made to add even an inch or two or a pound or two, I realized that the reason my baby looked perfectly normal to me is because there's not actually that much difference!  For such tiny little people, it doesn't take much to jump either direction!