{"id":1621,"date":"2020-12-22T11:39:25","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T11:39:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/?p=1621"},"modified":"2020-12-22T11:39:25","modified_gmt":"2020-12-22T11:39:25","slug":"the-importance-of-well-child-check-visits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/the-importance-of-well-child-check-visits\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Well-Child Check Visits"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Regular doctor checks are an excellent way to keep up with your child\u2019s health and emotional well-being. Visits are necessary for all children, from birth to the teenage years, especially for those who need extra care from a specialist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These visits are a time to reflect on your child\u2019s development as you learn ideal ways to help them grow into a mature human being. During well-baby checks, you and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/pediatrician-plantation-florida\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">your pediatrician<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> will make sure your child is growing up as healthy as possible. Simultaneously, you and the beloved physician will establish a strong partnership based on respect, honesty, and communicating your family\u2019s traditions and needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1623 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1.jpg\" alt=\"Young smiling female doctor and her little patient with teddy bear\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1-200x134.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1-600x401.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_270746999-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Prenatal Care<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For pregnant women, the process starts with pre-birth visits for prenatal care. The attending physician would advise you about any health risks or genetic abnormalities for your baby. In some instances, a doctor can detect health defects early; thereby, the embryo can receive care while in the womb.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During your visits, the doctor will answer any questions about parenting like breastfeeding, circumcision, and what to expect during labor and delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For prenatal care, you should visit the doctor once a month during weeks four to 28, every two weeks for weeks 28 to 36, and once a week for weeks 36 to 40. High-risk pregnancies require additional visits. Without proper prenatal care, a child is three times more likely to be underweight at birth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Baby Well Check-Ups<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The wonder of childhood is an epoch like no other. The child is rapidly growing while enjoying the newness of life. Because children are developing physically and cognitively, they require more visits with their pediatricians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Each well-child visit will involve a full examination. The pediatrician will record your child\u2019s height, weight, and head circumference. The child\u2019s growth will be a part of his permanent health record.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nutrition is vital. For weight maintenance, the pediatrician will take a BMI measurement of your child as obesity prevention and inform you about your child\u2019s healthy eating habits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Among other things, the pediatrician will examine your child\u2019s vision and hearing and conduct further tests as necessary. Some elements of the physical exam include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Listening to breath, stomach, and heart sounds<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Checking infantile reflexes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Checking heart palpitations<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Measuring temperature<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Eye exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Infant jaundice<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Doctors will examine newborns for congenital disabilities and nutrition deficiency. In addition to head-to-foot examinations, your medical professional will update your child\u2019s immunization record and speak with you about family issues, dental care, and nutrition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Activities for Every Visit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your baby well check-ups will include four specific activities. The physician will:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Advise whether your child has any general or specific health and safety concerns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Provide support for the child\u2019s health and overall well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Explain the necessary precautions to prevent your child from having future health concerns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Offer advice about health outcomes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Immunizations<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Immunizations are essential for a growing and healthy child. You or your child may experience some anxiety when it is time to get the first shot. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to know what to expect when you meet with your child\u2019s pediatrician during office visits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In most circumstances, the doctor or nurse will administer the vaccine right into the arm or leg muscles. Before each shot, the physician will use cream or pain-relieving spray. However, the child still may experience some pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Moment Your Child Receives the Shot<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may feel some anxiety while your child is getting shots. Just remember to stay calm. Speak peaceably with your child, using soothing words. When the child is receiving the vaccine, you can distract him or her with animated objects and toys. That way, your child will feel secure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When You Arrive Home<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The area of the skin that received vaccination might become red or sore. You can reduce swelling in this area by applying a cool, damp cloth on the vaccinated skin. Having your child frequently use their arms and legs will also promote faster healing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A mild fever and pain are side effects of vaccinations. If your child develops these symptoms, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vaccinations for Children<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prepare to have your children vaccinated at the following intervals:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Hepatitis B: Birth<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rotavirus: 2 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Diphtheria, Tetanus, &amp; Acellular Pertussis: 2 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Haemophilus Influenzae B: 2 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Pneumococcal Conjugate: 2 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Poliovirus: 2 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Hepatitis A: 12 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Vitamin A: 12 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Influenza: yearly<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Measles, Rubella: 12 months<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Older children should get chickenpox, meningococcal, and HPV vaccines. Some vaccinations require multiple doses as the child ages from newborn to 5.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1624 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor vaccinating little baby \" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2020\/12\/shutterstock_1020250801-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Nutrition<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many first-time mothers choose to breastfeed their newborns. The pediatrician may advise you on what diet is acceptable for new mothers. Mothers can introduce infants to cow\u2019s milk at 12 months. Growing children and toddlers are at risk for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/diet\/guide\/vitamin-d-deficiency#1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">vitamin D deficiency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Six months of age is the average starting point for the introduction of solid foods. Nutritionists recommend children wait until 12 months to drink juice. Children may drink 4 to 6 ounces of apple or orange juice daily.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Doctor checks<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you are raising your child, they should have regular appointments at specific intervals. Soon after birth, breastfed children should meet with their pediatrician within two to four days. After that, schedule well-child visits every month; then, starting at age 3, schedule visits annually.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Preparing for Well Baby Checks<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gathering information and preparing for your baby well check-ups will make your physician appointments informative and smooth, leaving nothing to chance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When getting ready for your next appointment, make notes of any changes to your child\u2019s routine. Include in the discussions any changes to family behavior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gather documents and pictures that may be helpful for your pediatrician. Look forward to sharing items like childcare and educational records. Your health professional can then fully understand your child\u2019s life and development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While raising your child, you may notice certain health habits that you were unaware of before the previous checkup. Go ahead and record your concerns; after that, you can inquire with the pediatrician. The doctor will happily address your questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During your well-child visit, the doctor will inform you about what to expect regarding:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sleep habits<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Safety concerns<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Childhood sicknesses and diseases<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Genetic abnormalities<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Disabilities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Achieving developmental milestones<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When speaking with the physician, you will discuss:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Child\u2019s growth and development<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Family health concerns<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Your proudest memories<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Everyday challenges<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may have questions and concerns once the visit is over. Feel free to contact your health professional in-between well-child visits as the need arises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We would love to hear how your child is learning and growing. Are you up to date with your well-child visits and dental care? We want to make sure that your child is getting the proper care for each stage of development. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our caring doctors. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Regular doctor checks are an excellent way to keep up with your child\u2019s health and emotional well-being. Visits are necessary for all children, from birth to the teenage years, especially for those who need extra care from a specialist.\u00a0 These visits are a time to reflect on your child\u2019s development as you learn ideal ways<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1625,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[21,6],"tags":[126,125,127],"class_list":["post-1621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-childrens-health","category-general-health","tag-baby-well-check-ups","tag-doctor-checks","tag-well-baby-checks"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1621\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1625"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}