Low weight baby...why should I be concerned if doctor isn't??

[6_Time_Momma]

Is there a worry gene that gets somehow implanted into people as soon as they become parents??

Olivia's 9 month checkup was today. She only weighs 15 lb and 3 oz. This is only like a 6 oz gain (I actually think less than that, I'll have to find her measurements from last time) from two months ago.

Although she remains at the 50th percentile in height, she is now off the chart--below the 3rd percentile-- on her weight. Doctor just says she is a skinny baby. He also says those crying "spells" I mentioned earlier were just teething. Now, I don't know why she is doing those, but I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with teething.

Granted, she was small to begin with, 6 lb and 1 oz at birth, but at least she was in the 10th percentile then.

Now, I sit and ask myself.......if the doctor doesn't seem worried, then why do I??

 

[nativetxn]

It's hard not to worry. I hope Olivia gains some weight soon, so you won't be so worried anymore.

Katholyn

 

[Kallison]

Is there more than one physician in your practice, maybe you could get another opinion. It would worry me too. My oldest was also very low birthrate, always in the 50th percentile or less. Now he is almost as tall as me in 8th grade.

 

[CEDmom]

It's that mother's instinct, it gets you every time. If something tells you to worry then it might be worth getting a 2nd opinion. Olivia (love that name BTW ) is probably more active than she was at her 6mo checkup and it's possible her eating habits haven't caught up with her activity. The teething is possible as well, I know we had a awful time with our DD. Because of it she just might not be eating as much as usual.

Maybe track what she's eating for a few days and see if it's enough for her activity level.

Good luck, the worrying never ends does it.

 

[Pooh67_68]

 

[padams]

I would get another opinion if I were you just for your peace of mind. DS fell off of the weight chart at about the same age. The ped told me not to worry. Since then, I have read numerous articles and book that all say that if your baby drops percentiles on the height or weight charts, you should talk to your physician.

I wish I had spoken with someone else but I took my ped's word that we just had a thin child. DS is now almost 7 and remains below the weight chart's lowest percentile. He is growing at a steady pace but I wonder where he would be if I hadn't just taken the ped's word. DS's older brother was the same size at birth, and is in the 50th percentile for weight. It's not that I want younger DS to be a supersize child, but I think there were either some transition to solid food issues or he wasn't eating enough at that time due to recurrent ear infections, and we didn't catch it. Mommy guilt...

 

[Poohbear123]

My DS, age 21, is STILL below his weight, by about 15 pounds, but, guess what--HE IS HEALTHY! So, no I wouldn't be too worried, unless she stops eating ALL together. My Grandbaby did this also, but now she is about even, also she is walking!

 

[chrissie123]

Believe me you will get used to worrying...... Mums are good at it ... Your little baby will be fine... enjoy the early years they are too good to let pass by, due to worry... (been there, done that)

 

[skiwee1]

I would go with your instincts. A skinny baby is one thing but it worries me when you say she has crying spells. I would definitely get a second opinion.

 

[RitaZ.]

Just get a second opinion to put your mind at ease.

 

[marymrg]

My babies were always in the 10th percentile for weight. The pediatrician always said she wasn't concerned as long as they didn't fall below. I think one time one of my kids slipped a little (not off of the chart though) and they had her back for a weight check before her regularly scheduled visit.

 

[Nancy]

Well seems how this isn't your first baby...I would say if you are worried take her for a second opinion. By now you should know the "teething" cries. So if you think there is something wrong...get it checked out, if only for your own piece of mind. Probably nothing wrong, but it will ease your mind.

 

[Pembo]

Did she get taller? My 2 youngest never gain much weight but they do grow taller.

 

[aprilgail2]

My daughter was never a heavy weight but when she dropped from the 20th percentile off the charts my Dr had us coming in every 4 weeks to make sure she was ok. She said she was only concerned because she dropped so much...if she was there the whole time it wouldn't have concerned her....but at any rate she slowly gained and just stayed down at under the bottom 5th her whole toddler years but even though she was skinny she is just fine now.

 

[aprilgail2]

My daughter was never a heavy weight but when she dropped from the 20th percentile off the charts my Dr had us coming in every 4 weeks to make sure she was ok. She said she was only concerned because she dropped so much...if she was there the whole time it wouldn't have concerned her....but at any rate she slowly gained and just stayed down at under the bottom 5th her whole toddler years but even though she was skinny she is just fine now.

 

[aprilgail2]

double post

 

[aprilgail2]

My daughter was never a heavy weight but when she dropped from the 20th percentile off the charts my Dr had us coming in every 4 weeks to make sure she was ok. She said she was only concerned because she dropped so much...if she was there the whole time it wouldn't have concerned her....but at any rate she slowly gained and just stayed down at under the bottom 5th her whole toddler years but even though she was skinny she is just fine now.

 

[aprilgail2]

Triple post!!

 

[nuke]

My son only weighed 18 pounds at 1 year old. He was 6 pound 1/2 ounce at birth.
Some babies are just skinny.

 

[phillybeth]

Kristi, you're an experienced mom and a nurse, so I have two things to say- is she eating, and trust your instincts! If she is eating what you think is a good amount and NOT gaining, that is a problem- she could have digestion problems that are keeping her from using all the energy in the food she ingests. Does she spit up a lot, lots of poop, does it have a nasty smell (nastier than regular baby poop that is )? Is she eating solids yet or is she still on formula/breast milk only? Does her urine have a funny smell or color?

If you're not satisfied with the answer from your doctor, get a second opinion. I know I don't have to tell you that your are your child's best advocate!