Growth Spurt Symptoms

Growth and development are continuous processes which indicate the stages of ontogenesis in a living organism. Right from the time of formation there are a few changes in terms of physical growth and hormonal development in human beings. No one is the same size as one was born. The different developments observed on the body are a result of the growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, secreted by the pituitary gland. This hormone is responsible for the overall growth and development of the human body system. Before discussing growth spurt symptoms it is essential to understand the working mechanism of the growth hormone.

The process of growth is a complex and coordinated working of hormones and cells in the body. Produced right from the time of conception, the growth hormone stimulates the cells to multiply and grow. This hormone stimulates the liver and other tissues in the body to produce IGF-I which in turn proliferates the production of cartilage cells (or chondrocytes). This leads to the growth of bones. Muscles are also developed with the help of IGF-I. The myoblasts are differentiated and proliferated which then form muscle strands. The growth hormone also assists in other functions like the synthesis of proteins and amino acid assimilation in the muscles and other body tissues. A growth spurt is an important developmental milestone in your child's life and is also referred to as frequency days. Let us now take a look at the indications of growth spurts in infants as well as young adults and how to manage them.

Symptoms of Growth Spurt

Growth does not occur overnight and is a complex process which involves the coordination of hormones secreted by the body. Growth spurt can be identified by observing the changes in the body. This is an important phase which begins at the fetal stage and continues till the baby is an adult. Even a few growth spurt instances are observed in the adolescent stage, but they are not so taxing as in the infantile period. Generally, it is believed that babies grow quite fast. Every baby undergoes some changes what is referred to as a growth spurt. It is essential to distinguish every growth spurt to understand it better. Here are some of the signs of growth spurt as observed in newborns as well as in babies. It should be noted here that growth spurts are not limited to babies.

• The first sign of a growth spurt in babies is their frequent feeding. Your baby may appear to be hungry all the time and you find yourself nursing it more than often. To satisfy the child's voracious appetite, you can also feed him with baby formula.
• If your child appears fussy and is easily agitated then he is undergoing one of the phases of growth spurt. You may notice your baby crying too often, even when he is fed. Frequent episodes of tantrums are also observed in children.
• Some babies tend to stay awake all through the night during an episode of growth spurt. There are also babies who sleep fitfully without any disturbance. Physical as well as cognitive growth is observed in infants. You may notice your child becoming more agile and active.
• Once the child becomes an adolescent, his body will undergo hormonal changes, which can be seen with age. Secondary sex characteristics also develop once the child enters his adolescence. In boys a deeper voice, facial hair and muscular growth can be observed. For girls, breast development, menarche are noticed, along with the changes in the hormones.

Handling Growth Spurts

Growth spurts, though temporary in nature, are positive signs that the infant is on the way to become an adult. But as a parent you need to know how to manage these developmental stages as they play a crucial role. You need to take care of yourself as well during this period. Since the baby is continuously feeding you need to ensure that he gets all the essential nutrients that are required for the proper functioning of the body system. Ample rest is also important for a child undergoing growth spurts. An awareness regarding the physical changes in adolescents should be given to your child so that he does nor feel awkward on observing these developments.

These were some of the growth spurt symptoms in newborns as well as in children. These signs may vary according to the gender of the child. It will also help if you get in touch with a health care provider who will help you recognize and manage the different growth spurts in your child. You can also maintain a record on observing the changes and consult a pediatrician regarding the same.