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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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