Calcium supplements, exercise, dietary therapy, folk remedies... Seeing their child shorter than peers, many parents grow anxious, trying every method to help their child "shoot up." However, clinical studies reveal that many children and adolescents miss their optimal growth window due to approaching skeletal maturity, impacting future work and life.
Maternal Depression May Affect Child's Height
"Many children are born with short stature, termed 'small for gestational age.' Without early detection and intervention, this can have lifelong consequences. Parents should begin monitoring their child's height development from age two."Experts emphasize that parents should abandon the complacent mindset that "late developers will catch up during puberty." Instead, they should prioritize their child's height from infancy, or even during pregnancy.
Case Study: "Small for Gestational Age" Child Stands Noticeably Shorter Than Peers
Ms. Wang's daughter Xiaoxiao is now eight years old. According to her, Xiaoxiao was smaller than other newborns from the moment she was born. Although delivered at full term, she measured only 42 centimeters long—below the standard 50 centimeters.
Initially, they assumed she would catch up in height as she grew older, but she remained significantly shorter than her peers. "Both her father and I are of average height, so why is she so small?" Ms. Wang expressed her deep concern. After a series of detailed examinations, doctors determined that Xiaoxiao's stunted growth stemmed from poor development in the womb, classifying her as a "small for gestational age" infant at birth.
Experts explain that Xiaoxiao's condition is a classic case of "small for gestational age" (SGA)—meaning she was born full-term but had below-standard length and weight at birth. According to reports, the incidence rate of this condition in China reaches 6.39%.
"Like Xiaoxiao, these children will fail to catch up in height during both major growth spurts throughout their lives. They may also face challenges in other areas of physical and intellectual development," she explained.
Due to its high incidence, SGA has become a significant cause of short stature among children and adolescents in China.
Causes: Potentially linked to maternal depression during pregnancy
Experts indicate that a child's small stature at birth can stem from environmental, genetic, and other factors. It may also be associated with maternal smoking, poor nutrition, or placental dysfunction (often accompanied by systemic maternal diseases).
Historically, inadequate maternal nutrient absorption has been a major contributing factor.
"However, with improved living standards, cases of poor nutrition leading to this condition have become increasingly rare. Instead, many pregnant women now experience excessive nutrition during pregnancy, resulting in a significant number of macrosomic infants.""However, with rising living standards, cases stemming from poor nutrition have become increasingly rare. Instead, many pregnant women experience excessive nutrition during pregnancy, resulting in a significant number of macrosomic infants.
So why do mothers continue to give birth to "small for gestational age" babies? Clinical investigations reveal that these mothers often experience varying degrees of emotional distress and anxiety during pregnancy, with some diagnosed with prenatal depression.
"We treated one mother who exemplified this situation. Despite being physically healthy, well-nourished, and carrying a full-term baby, her child's height fell significantly below the standard due to her prenatal depression."
Experts explain that clinical consultations reveal many pregnant women today experience heightened tension and anxiety due to pressures from work, family, and personal life.
Additionally, some expectant mothers become overly cautious and anxious about pregnancy, causing their nerves to remain constantly on edge. Over time, even with adequate nutrition, their babies are born with below-average height.
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