Health visitor has worried me!

[Rose138]

Hello all!

My son is 4 months old. He was born 8lb 4oz. His weight gain has always increased really well- above :) My chunky monkey! :)

I know that the recommendation is getting your baby weighed each month for the first 6 months. I've always done this. Each month he has put on average of 2lb a month. Every where I go people don't believe me of his age as he's so big lol.

I went to get him weighed today and in 5 weeks he has put on 1lb. He has however for the past week been poorly with his teeth, a cough and cold. I told all of this to the health visitor and I know she said not to worry, but she then added that they'd like to see him in 2 weeks instead of 4 weeks. So of course as a first time mum I am worried!

But then I know how happy my son is and how well he feeds. Also may I add, he is 16lb 3oz which I do not think is a low weight for a 4 month old!? Plus she seemed more concerned due to the lines than weight- commenting that he has fallen below the 75th centile.

I guess im just after some advice/reassurance really- do I need to worry? I'm not great on the centiles- does it seem I should be worried?

Thank you all in advance! Xxx

No you don't need to be worried. He sounds perfectly healthy. My DS was that weight when he was about 7 months!

I would keep an eye on it, but I would have thought that if he has been growing well until now it shouldn't be a problem. Babies don't always grow in a linear fashion. Both my daughters also experienced "catch down growth" - they were born pretty large (95th centile) but gradually moved down the centiles until they were around the 50th, where they have remained ever since. Go back in a couple of weeks if you are worried. Most HCP don't show concern until babies have dropped 2 centile lines.

You don't have to take them to be weighed if you don't want too. HVs obsession with those lines do my swede in. I didn't bother after being signed off the midwife. Jabs aside.

Thank you all for your quick responses!

It is so frustrating as you follow recommendations but then actually they've caused me to worry! I went in there fine and am now worried.

I'll go back in the 2 weeks but then I'll leave it unless I'm concerned and then will go to the doctors as I know my son and don't need to be put under this unnecessary worry. I didn't think that was the role of health visitors!

Thank you all again! Xxxxx