A regular well child visit is critical for your son or daughter. Your child’s pediatrician can identify serious health concerns. You can also discuss any concerns and ensure that the young patient is growing and developing properly. If you neglect these appointments, problems could arise in your child’s health without you realizing it. If you or your child are worried or nervous about these visits, it is helpful to understand what will take place.
When and why a well child visit should take place
Going to the doctor’s office is not something that should happen only when a person is sick. It also is not an occasion that should occur once in a while. Consistently seeing the doctor will increase the likelihood of children enjoying healthy, happy lives. These checkups should start a few weeks after birth and continue until adulthood with the pediatrician.
The doctor should see infant patients often, typically at two weeks, two months, four months, six months, nine months, and one year. As toddlers, patients should have a checkup at 15 months, 18 months, and two years. From this point, the appointments should take place annually. A well child checkup makes sure the child is current on immunizations and is not falling behind in any phases of development.
Reviewing the child’s history
The pediatrician and office staff will want to know more about the young patient. At the beginning of the well child visit, the parent will provide information about the child’s birth. The parent should talk about any complications that arose during delivery, how the child is sleeping, how well the child eats, and whether the child has any previous health concerns. For older children, there may be a discussion about how the patient is doing socially.
Examination
A head-to-toe examination is a critical component of the well child visit. The doctor or a nurse will check the child’s weight and height. This allows the doctor to check the growth chart and see how the child is progressing in size compared to where they should be at that age. The pediatrician then examines the child’s eyes, ears, mouth, nose, reflexes, and other areas. Doing this allows the doctor to determine whether these are all functioning properly. The pediatrician will also check for any lumps or unusual growths on the body.
Cognitive development, social and mental health
As the child grows, the pediatrician will want to make sure the young patient is doing well in non-physical ways too. The well child visit includes questions and assessments about the patient’s mental development, including speech and motor skills. For preteen and teen patients, the doctor will discuss any concerns about depression and anxiety. The doctor and parent will also review any challenges the child may have getting along with other children.
A visit you do not want to miss
You want your child to grow up healthy and well. Any number of issues can take place with a child’s physical, emotional, mental, or social health. You can stay on top of these challenges by taking your son or daughter to a well child visit. If your child has not had one for a while, make an appointment today.
Get more information about Emerald Pediatric & Family Clinic in Houston at https://www.emeraldpediatricandfamilyclinic.com.
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