Growth Monitoring
Dr. hayder Saad Al Aubaidi
Definition
• A sequential measurement of growth
parametrs in children under five, in order to
detect malnutrition and growth failure as
early as possible in order to correct it.
• This process should starts soon after birth.
Medical Examinations
Two medical examinations should be done soon after
birth.
First
- Immediate Examination:
○ Estimate APGAR’s score at the first 5 minutes of
life after birth.
○ Measure birth weight.
○ Detect abnormalities: Disorders of respiration,
Muscle tone disorders, Birth Injuries, Congenital
Malformations.
• Second
- Late Examination:
○ This is done within 48 hours after birth, searching for
any congenital anomalies.
APGAR score
• Score 0 = Dead
• Score 10 = Very Active
• Score 7-9 = active child
• Score 3 at 6 minutes = The baby is at high risk
of neonatal death or have respiratory or
CNS complications, so admission to
neonatal intensive care unit is needed.
Growth Monitoring indicators
● Weight for Age
● Height for Age
● Weight for Height
● Mid-Upper Arm Circumference
● Skin fold Thickness
Risk factors that influence a child’s
nutritional status
● Low birth weight
● Large family size
● Short spacing
● Recurrent infections
● Poverty
● Illiterate mother
● Early stopping of breastfeeding
● Poor growth at early life
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