What does it mean if my baby has a big head circumference?
Macrocephaly is the term for an unusually large head. An infant with macrocephaly will have a larger head than most other infants of the same age and sex. In many cases, this condition is benign or harmless. In other cases, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as a genetic syndrome or a brain tumor.
Do Newborns have big heads?
The average newborn’s head circumference measures about 13 3⁄4 inches (35 cm), growing to about 15 inches (38 cm) by one month. Because boys tend to be slightly larger than girls, their heads are larger, though the average difference is less than 1⁄2 inch (1 cm).
Can Macrocephaly go away?
Macrocephaly Due to Hydrocephalus Doctors call it “benign extra-axial collections of infancy” or “benign external hydrocephalus.” Children typically outgrow the condition by early childhood. Still, your doctor will want to follow up with you regularly to keep an eye on your baby.
What is the normal percentile for head circumference?
A percentile of 50% represents the average or mean head circumference. A value below 50 percent means a baby’s head circumference is less than the average. A value greater than 50 percent means a baby’s head circumference is above average.
Why are human babies heads so big in comparison to their bodies?
Brain Size As such, both adult and newborn humans need larger heads than other primates to house these enormous brains. Due to the imbalance between brain and body development during pregnancy, however, the heads of babies are much larger than those of adults relative to their body size.
What do you call a baby with a big head?
According to the Fetal Medicine Foundation, your baby having a larger than average head — also called macrocephaly — is actually pretty common, and most often not a sign of a serious problem. According to Healthline, in a majority of cases, having a big head is genetic or inherited,…
How big is a baby’s head?
In general, a newborn’s head measures about 13 1/2 inches. Your baby will experience rapid head growth, particularly during the first four months, and by the end of the first year, her head circumference will be about 18 inches.
What does your infant’s head size means?
An infant head size measurement can give physicians an idea about a baby’s brain development. An average, full-term newborn will have a head circumference of about 34 to 35 centimeters (13 3/4 inches). This puts the newborn at the 50th percentile for their head circumference measurement. When a baby’s head size is considerably bigger or smaller than average, it may indicate a problem or health issue. Related Articles