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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

5 month old shivers and bows involuntary

24 replies

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 27/12/2009 14:13

In the last week I've noticed my 5 month old shiver a few times which has only lasted a few seconds but he wasn't cold at the time. Also after a feed while I was holding him he bowed down as if his top half of his body was all of a sudden too heavy for him. He did this a few times in a row earlier, sometimes it was quick and sometimes it was a slow motion.

Has anyone had a experience with this? Could it be normal or should I go see the Dr or HV?

I'm really worried now and I've got myself into a frenzy!

Thanks!

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Mamulik · 27/12/2009 16:00

At that age babies still can not control their bodies, if you worried just go and talk to health visitor or friends with young kids.

sarah293 · 27/12/2009 16:06

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nellie12 · 27/12/2009 16:10

is he normally like this? if its new this week you need to get him checked gp asap

Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 27/12/2009 16:42

No he's not normally like this which is why I'm a bit worried. He has had a cold tho so maybe it's possible that has something to do with it?

I haven't noticed any jerky movements with his hands but I'll keep an eye out for that.

I have an appointment with the Dr on Thursday and can't get anything earlier so maybe I should take him to the hospital just in case?

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sarah293 · 27/12/2009 17:12

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ItsAllaBitNoisy · 27/12/2009 17:20

Is the shiver after he pees? I have seen that, but not the bowing.

Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 27/12/2009 17:51

Thanks Riven I will definitely mention it. It's good that they are on alert for your DD!
I think I'll call NHS Direct and see what they say and take him to hospital in the morning unless they advise to go straight away.

ItsAllaBitNoisy I didn't check his nappy after the shiver so not sure if he peed.

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sarah293 · 27/12/2009 18:13

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Lauree · 27/12/2009 18:24

Can I suggest that you keep a diary of any unusual shivers or jerks or bowing? It could be useful to have a record of how often it happens and what time of day.... with any luck it'll just stop as he gets older.

It's always worth mentioning to the doctor, because he should make a note of it, and then it's on record in case it's a clue to something later on.

But he could've had the shivers if he had a mild temperature... I know I do sometimes...

Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 27/12/2009 18:28

Yes it's definitely much better to be aware even if it turns out to be nothing. I appreciate you telling me!

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sarah293 · 27/12/2009 18:30

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Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 27/12/2009 18:41

Yeah I could. I'll keep the camera handy ready for his feed later.

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Lauree · 27/12/2009 19:14

good idea. Plus it's impossible to worry, feed and video all at the same time.
You'll have to stop worrying to manage it!

Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 27/12/2009 21:27

Well the worrying has subsided and DH can be the cameraman. So only the feed to cope with!

Spoke to a nurse at NHS Direct and she didn't think it sounded like an emergency as he's been responsive and alert since. She also mentioned it might be a bit of reflux as it was just after a feed. So just to keep an eye on him and take him to the Dr for a check up. Hopefully it doesn't happen again.

Thanks for the advice!

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Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 27/12/2009 21:29

Crap just realised I didn't ask about the shivers. I'll wait and see if that happens again.

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mcflumpy · 27/12/2009 22:32

Don't know about the bowing but my 6mo DD shivers. The kind of shivers like someones just walked over your grave? my mum said same thing about peeing and we actually noticed her do it in the bath one night...whilst she was peeing ...so might just be that. She started doing it at About 5 months...I never really thought it could be something to be concerned about tbh.
Interested to see what others say

JustAsWelliLikeLego · 27/12/2009 23:39

Another shiver after peeing experience here. DH told me he does it too. No experience of the bowing though, sorry.

SheWillBeLoved · 28/12/2009 00:32

DD (5 months) did the bowing thing a couple of weeks ago, for a few days. She occasionally throws herself backwards when sitting on my knee, but suddenly started leaning forward from her hips and not just her neck, until she was almost doubled over. Didn't think it was anything to worry about until reading this thought she was just figuring out all of the different ways she can move. Watching with interest!

CarmenTinselPalmTreesSanDiego · 28/12/2009 04:07

When my baby was about 5mo, he had a few shuddering episodes where his arm and leg shook during a feed. I talked to a couple of doctors (and a very kind MNer) about it and went with a wait and see approach and he seemed to grow out of it. Apparently an 'immature nervous system' causing funny effects is quite common but the bowing does sound a little odd.

It's not a bad idea to get it checked out now as they can scan through the fontanelle at this point which is less stressful than an MRI (which they suggested to me - don't know if they'd want to do that for your baby).

Hopefully he'll just grow out of it, but probably worth putting your mind at rest by seeing the gp.

mcflumpy · 28/12/2009 04:17

Come to think of it shewillbeloved my DD does what you've described too! Similarly I just thought this was normal....

sarah293 · 28/12/2009 07:59

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Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 28/12/2009 09:28

I'm not overly concerned about the shivers but thought it might be linked the bowing.
The first couple of times he did this I thought maybe it was something he learnt to do but after yesterday it just didn't seem right to me. It was kind of similar to what the baby is doing in the link but slower and he was standing holding his hands together.

I have a paediatrician friend who's back from holiday tomorrow so I shall be giving her a call.

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mcflumpy · 28/12/2009 10:06

If it doesn't feel right, definitely get it checked out.
Best of luck hope it turns out ok.

Original poster

TheChristmasHolyHoneypeckle · 28/12/2009 11:32

Thanks! Yeah I'll definitely get it checked out.

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