What does it mean if your baby has a small head?
Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. During pregnancy, a baby’s head grows because the baby’s brain grows. Microcephaly can occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size.
Should I worry if my baby has a small head?
When to see a doctor Chances are your doctor will detect microcephaly at the baby’s birth or at a regular well-baby checkup. However, if you think your baby’s head is smaller than normal or isn’t growing as it should, talk to your doctor.
At what age is microcephaly diagnosed?
Diagnosis. Early diagnosis of microcephaly can sometimes be made by fetal ultrasound. Ultrasounds have the best diagnosis possibility if they are made at the end of the second trimester, around 28 weeks, or in the third trimester of pregnancy.
What causes microcephaly in pregnancy?
Microcephaly is a condition where the head (circumference) is smaller than normal. Microcephaly may be caused by genetic abnormalities or by drugs, alcohol, certain viruses, and toxins that are exposed to the fetus during pregnancy and damage the developing brain tissue.
Can microcephaly be prevented?
There’s no cure for microcephaly, but there are treatments to help with development, behavior, and seizures. If your child has mild microcephaly, they’ll need regular doctor checkups to monitor how they grow and develop. Children who have more severe cases need lifelong treatment to control symptoms.
What is the main cause of microcephaly?
Microcephaly may be caused by problems with brain development or being exposed to alcohol and certain drugs, chemicals and infections in the womb. Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes microcephaly. If you’re pregnant and think you may have Zika, call your health care provider.
Does a small head mean small brain?
Even though head size also depends on factors such as the muscularity of the head and thickness of the bone, it’s very likely that a bigger head means a bigger brain. But Hurlburt says people with bigger brains aren’t necessarily smarter than those with smaller ones.
Can you tell if a baby has microcephaly in the womb?
Diagnosis. Early diagnosis of microcephaly can sometimes be made by fetal ultrasound. Ultrasounds have the best diagnosis possibility if they are made at the end of the second trimester, around 28 weeks, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. Often diagnosis is made at birth or at a later stage.
What to do if your baby bumps their head?
Don’t panic. If your child sees you remain relaxed,he is more likely to calm down.
Are babies born with big heads?
Babies are born with large heads to house their well-developed brains. Despite the lack of development in their bodies, babies are born with heads that are at an advanced stage of development.
What is a baby born without a skull?
Anencephaly is a serious birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). As the neural tube forms and closes, it helps form the baby’s brain and skull (upper part of the neural tube), spinal cord, and back bones (lower part of the neural tube).
Are Babies always born head first?
Childbirth. Most babies are born head first; however about 4% are born feet or buttock first, known as breech. During labour a woman can generally eat and move around as she likes, but pushing is not recommended during the first stage or during delivery of the head, and enemas are not recommended.