Seeking Guidance for My Son's Developmental Delays
I’m reaching out because my son, who is nearing 14 months, seems to be lagging behind in his developmental milestones. He has yet to walk, talk, sit up, roll over, or keep his legs straight for extended periods. His facial expressions are quite limited, with only an occasional smile to communicate. People frequently tell me how fortunate I am that he’s so calm, but after reflecting on his situation, I’m growing increasingly concerned. I was told that his height might be contributing to his difficulty in walking and that I could have encouraged more tummy time. However, I recently discovered that there was a complication at his birth. By sharing this, I hope to find someone who can relate or understand the implications involved in his case. My family now suspects he might have cerebral palsy. I had no idea about this until I researched it, but many of his symptoms appear to align with the condition. I prefer not to get caught in endless searches until Monday, so I thought it best to seek advice here instead. Here’s a brief overview of what happened at his birth: - After he was born, he cried briefly but had a dusky appearance. - His heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, but his respiratory effort was weak despite breathing on his own. - We began Positive End Expiration Pressure (PEEP) at 5 cmH2O with 30% oxygen. At one point, he paused breathing and his heart rate fell below 100, requiring five inflation breaths and a two-person jaw thrust. - Fortunately, his heart rate improved and he started breathing regularly around three minutes after birth. His oxygen saturation levels were low (60% at four minutes), so we increased the oxygen to 50%. - By eight minutes, his saturation remained in the 70s, prompting us to provide 100% oxygen. By 11 minutes, his saturation exceeded 90%, allowing us to wean him off oxygen, and by 15 minutes, he was breathing room air. He was monitored for 20 minutes before being handed over to his dad for a cuddle. In terms of his respiratory and cardiovascular health, he experienced cyanotic episodes, particularly at two hours old, necessitating oxygen. By the time he was admitted to the Neonatal Unit, he was breathing without assistance. He was on oxygen for only a day. A cranial ultrasound returned negative results, indicating no bleeding concerns. He was admitted to the Neonatal Unit shortly after birth due to episodes of dusky skin and rolling eyes post-feeding. He was monitored for possible seizures, but the continuous fetal monitoring for around six hours showed no further seizure activity or abnormal movements. My main concern is whether there’s any long-term risk for brain damage given these circumstances. I would appreciate any information or guidance on this matter. Thank you for any help you can offer.
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 3:21:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your son's development and the details surrounding his birth. It's understandable to feel anxious when noticing that he may not be reaching developmental milestones on time. While there are many possible factors at play, including his birth history, it's essential to approach this situation with care and attention.
Explanation
Your son's limited milestones in physical and communicative development could indeed be due to a variety of reasons. Some children may experience delays for a short period without long-term repercussions, while others may have conditions that need more attention, such as cerebral palsy, especially given your details about his birth complications.
Cerebral palsy can result from a brain injury, often related to lack of oxygen at birth. However, not all children with a similar history will have lasting effects. It’s important to understand that diagnosing developmental delays or conditions like cerebral palsy often involves comprehensive evaluations, including physical examinations and developmental assessments.
Next Steps
Here are several prioritized actions you can consider to support your son’s needs:
-
Seek Early Intervention Services:
- Look for resources in your area, such as Early Intervention Programs, which can provide developmental assessments and therapies. These programs often offer services for children under three years old and can assist in speech, physical, and occupational therapies tailored to your son's needs.
-
Monitor Milestones:
- Keep a record of your son's developmental milestones, noting specific actions, behaviors, and any changes. This can be helpful when discussing his progress with professionals.
-
Engage in Tummy Time and Play:
- Encourage tummy time and physically interactive play by creating a stimulating environment that promotes moving, rolling, and engaging with toys. These activities can gently encourage motor skills development.
-
Follow Up on Concerns:
- Speak with your pediatrician about your concerns regarding cerebral palsy and his developmental delays. They can refer you to a specialist, such as a pediatric neurologist, for further evaluation.
-
Stay Connected and Informed:
- Connect with support groups for parents of children with developmental delays. Sharing experiences can provide comfort and practical advice on navigating similar challenges.
-
Focus on Emotional Support:
- Ensure you are also taking care of your emotional well-being. Parenting a child with development delays can be overwhelming, so consider talking to someone about your feelings.
It's encouraging that you are actively seeking guidance, and taking these steps will aid in creating a supportive environment for your son. If you have more concerns or specific questions, please feel free to ask for further clarification. You're not alone in this journey, and support is available.
Related Questions
Concerns About Prednisone Withdrawal
I’m a 24-year-old female, weighing approximately 200 pounds and standing at 5 feet 9 inches. For the past several months, I have been on a daily regimen of 60 mg of prednisone. However, I've run into a problem as I was unable to obtain my prescription refill; my physician has not submitted the necessary orders. To compound matters, the pharmacy staff member I spoke with was unhelpful and declined to provide a temporary refill to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Consequently, I missed my scheduled dose yesterday, and I’m approaching the time when I am due for my next dose again. I have some concerns and wanted to understand the risks better. I came across alarming information online that suggested prednisone withdrawal could be life-threatening, which is quite unsettling. I would like to know if this is actually true and how quickly those risks could present themselves. Is it safe for me to wait until the pharmacy can refill my prescription, or should I seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room to get the medication as soon as possible? Additionally, it may be relevant to mention that I am taking this medication due to symptoms related to leukemia.
Addressing Recurrent Implantation Failures
Hello, I’m 27 years old, and my partner is 32. Recently, I experienced the disappointment of my second unsuccessful embryo transfer, and I find myself uncertain about what questions to pose or what steps to take from here. This journey has left me feeling devastated, and I am seeking clarity. We had a total of 7 embryos: 2 classified as grade A, 4 as grade B, and 1 as grade C. While I recognize the importance of undergoing an Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA), I’m also contemplating whether a DNA Fragmentation test is necessary. By the way, I’m currently located in Spain, which might be relevant to potential recommendations.
Mysterious Infection with Unidentified Cause
Greetings to all, My father, aged 73, has been grappling with an unusual infectious illness. His CRP levels have been alarmingly high, with readings of 200 two months ago, 120 a month ago, and currently sitting at 170. Despite various tests, the doctors have not been able to pinpoint the source of this infection. To provide some context, he suffers from chronic asthma, which has flared up repeatedly. Prior to this entire ordeal, he experienced severe discomfort when urinating—this particular symptom paved the way for what became a urinary-focused diagnosis. Initially, he was prescribed a course of antibiotics, specifically ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for three weeks, but this treatment yielded no beneficial results. Following this, a new antibiotic regimen was implemented, using levofloxacin 500 mg once daily for four weeks in an attempt to combat the presumed urinary issue. He is scheduled to undergo a review in four weeks, and the potential removal of a Foley catheter will be assessed. Interestingly, while his urine appears normal and the urologist declares it sterile, tests indicated the presence of some pathogens. Regrettably, his condition has been steadily deteriorating; he feels increasingly weak and lacks vitality. However, he reports no significant pain and has not experienced any fever, maintaining an afebrile state throughout this period. An ultrasound conducted by the urologist noted that his prostate is enlarged, which is not atypical for his age, while both kidneys seem to be functioning well. A CT scan of his lungs showed no irregularities. Although he has struggled with alcohol in the past, his liver enzymes are currently normal, and he shows no signs of liver disease (there's no yellowing in his eyes or skin), plus his blood pressure remains stable. Additionally, he is exhibiting swelling in both feet. If anyone can take a look at the attached blood work (it's in Croatian, so I'm unsure if it will be clear to everyone), I would greatly appreciate your insights. Thank you!
Concerns Over Perceived Speech Challenges and Early Signs of Bulbar ALS
At this point, I am still able to say the word "Shell" distinctly, and those around me have not noted any issues with that particular sound. Still, it seems to require more effort to pronounce correctly. When I try to spell it quickly, I find that I occasionally mix it up or mispronounce it entirely. This makes me feel like I’m experiencing more perceived difficulty with "Shell" compared to other words, like "Banana." I understand that ALS is primarily about the physical decline rather than sensory perception, and I am starting to question whether this fixation on my speech could be another instance of overthinking, similar to my previous concerns. I have read that mild speech impairments can be an early sign of ALS, which adds to my uncertainty. About a month ago, I visited a neurologist due to the sensation of weakness in my hands, but no issues were documented at that time. The neurologist also examined my tongue and didn’t find any worrying signs related to my speech. However, given that this was a month ago, I’m left feeling doubtful. Now, I am sensing that my speech may be somewhat less fluid, possibly influenced by my heightened awareness of it all.
Concerns About Unexplained Bruises
I’m a 22-year-old female and for several years now, I’ve been experiencing frequent bruises on my arms and legs that appear for no obvious reason. This has become quite routine for me. Although I’ve captured a few photos over the years, the ones I'm sharing now were taken recently. Typically, I'll notice multiple bruises on my body, and I'm certain that I haven't bumped into anything or sustained any injury. Along with this, I’ve been dealing with several other symptoms. I’ve consulted my physician about these issues, but the only advice I've received is to "enhance my diet and exercise more." Despite my efforts to do so, I have not seen any improvement in my situation. I’m uncertain whether the unexplained bruising is connected to my other symptoms, which is why I’m seeking guidance here. I am curious to know if such bruising is common or if it warrants concern. I haven’t mentioned the bruising to any medical professional until now, but my husband has started to worry since I consistently have visible bruises, which makes me feel uncomfortable when I want to wear shorts or a swimsuit. Here are the symptoms I’ve been experiencing for a number of years: - Frequent urination, where I often feel the need to go, but can't fully empty my bladder, requiring me to return shortly after. - Ongoing stomach discomfort and bloating, accompanied by bowel irregularities. - Persistent feelings of fatigue and tiredness, regardless of how much sleep I get. - An increasing difficulty with gripping objects, which results in me dropping things like my phone or keys—this has been noted by my husband. - Discomfort during intercourse. As previously mentioned, I'm unsure if these symptoms are related to the bruising. I’ve already tried addressing my symptoms with my current doctor without much success, so I’m beginning to consider the possibility of finding another medical professional who might be more responsive to my concerns. I’d appreciate any insights regarding whether the bruising I experience is typical. Thank you for your help.