Stunted growth is the term used to describe a significant decline in an individual's typical growth rate. It can occur naturally, but infections, diarrhea, starvation, etc can also bring it on. It could also come from the mother's malnourishment when the fetus was growing. It frequently leads to the following issues: early demise and impact on mental development and maturation.

To learn about the reasons, helpful information has been shared by the renowned general pediatrician in South Delhi. By taking insights from the child specialist, this blog will share a guide on the causes and treatment of stunted growth in children. It is thought to be inherited, carrying a risk of being passed down to subsequent generations.

Stunted Development in Children and Infants

It is also referred to as nutritional stunting and is characterized by a noticeably slower pace of physical development. The main symptom of undernutrition (or malnutrition) and repeated infections after birth and early childhood is stunted growth.

Stunted growth in babies can also be attributed to the malnourishment of the mother during fetal development. The World Health Organization defines stunting as a condition where the "height for age" number exceeds two standard deviations from the organization's child growth standards.

Typical Causes of Postponed Growth

In general, causes of stunted growth in a child or infant discussed by top 10 Child Specialist in South Delhi are as follows-

1. Inadequate Nutrition from the Mother: A newborn has to be given the best care possible, both while and after the mother is pregnant. Stunted growth in children is thought to be caused by inadequate breast milk consumption and poor maternal nutrition.
2. Sanitation: The state of sanitation in a home impacts a child's development. Children who live in unsanitary environments are more likely to experience eating disorders and diarrheal illnesses, which can hinder their growth.
3. Stunting Malnutrition: This is considered one of the leading causes of children's stunted growth. Children's growth is negatively impacted by inadequate nutrition, which they require for optimum development. Because of this, children with small growth are primarily seen in families and impoverished communities.
4. Hereditary: Some children's stunted growth is influenced by genetic factors. Children from families where there has been a history of delayed growth frequently go on to have underdeveloped physical structures.
5. Mother's Drug Use: External factors and the mother have equal roles in a child's stunted growth. Children who have a mother with a history of long-term alcoholism, drug use, or smoking have frequently been shown to be underdeveloped.
6. Feeding Techniques: Stunted growth in babies can result from inadequate feeding, deficient essential nutrients, and low-calorie intake. To prevent malnutrition, the diet's minimum requirements should be satisfied regularly.

Stunted Growth's Effects on Health

• One of the most apparent consequences of stunted growth in children is lower stature, but other side effects exist.
• Elevated chance of disease and early demise
• Delayed mental and cognitive growth results in subpar academic achievement and worse work performance.
• Reduced ability to think clearly
• An intergenerational malnutrition cycle is known as stunted growth that can be passed on to the following generation.

Diagnosis

A child is considered to have stunted growth if their height falls below the fifth percentile of the reference population for their age, as determined by comparing the kid's measurement to the WHO's 2006 growth reference standards. The WHO Child Growth Standards Median is fewer than two standard deviations away from the lower than fifth percentile.

Prevention

Focusing on providing appropriate nutrition during a child's first 1000 days of life—from conception to the age of two—is the primary objective of skin doctors, the government, and other NGOs working to avoid stunting. This is a critical "window of opportunity" in a child's life when the brain is developing quickly and laying the groundwork for future social and cognitive skills. Furthermore, it is also the period when the kids are most vulnerable to infections that cause diarrhea and other illnesses, which can stunt their growth and development.

Making sure pregnant and nursing women receive the best possible diet is crucial. By doing this, the leading risk factor for stunted growth is decreased—babies born with low birth weights. Breastfeeding exclusively for mothers for six months after delivery is advised; these actions are seen as cornerstones in the fight against stunting. Moreover, nursing until the child is two years old and implementing appropriate weaning techniques after six months is crucial.

Conclusion

After following the prevention tips mentioned above, consultation with a doctor is advised if the kid is still receiving stunted growth. Consultation with a child doctor will be preferred to seek a medical professional. To find the best child doctor in Delhi, visit Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practise and schedule an appointment with founder and senior pediatrician Dr. Promilla Butani. The doctor has extensive experience and provides treatments, including baby vaccination, newborn clinic, and other pediatric services. One may schedule an appointment with the doctor today.