Developmental Concerns for Preterm Twins: When to Seek Specialist Help

Q: Developmental Concerns for Preterm Twins: When to Seek Specialist Help

Hello： Low birth weight preterm infants who experience pulmonary immaturity leading to respiratory distress, or complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage, may have a higher incidence of developmental delays compared to full-term infants, depending on the severity of their

Development of Premature Infants

The twins were born preterm at 30 weeks and 4 days and were hospitalized during which they underwent cranial ultrasound.
The older brother had mild intraventricular hemorrhage (Grade I), while the younger brother showed periventricular echogenicity.
After discharge, a follow-up cranial ultrasound was performed, and the doctor reported normal results.
Since discharge, the corrected age is now 5 months and 1 week.
They have been going to the rehabilitation department every 3-4 weeks for occupational and physical therapy assessments.
Currently, neither brother is able to roll over.
At what age is rolling over considered normal? I am a bit concerned about their motor development being delayed.
Should I take them to a pediatric neurologist or another specialist for evaluation? Thank you.

Li, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/12/29

Dr. He Shenglong reply Pediatrics

Hello: Low birth weight preterm infants who experience pulmonary immaturity leading to respiratory distress, or complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage, may have a higher incidence of developmental delays compared to full-term infants, depending on the severity of their condition, the level of hypoxia, and episodes of apnea.
When considering corrected age, infants typically begin to roll over around four months, and parents can provide appropriate assistance.
If your baby is not achieving gross motor milestones by six months, it may be necessary to evaluate for potential developmental delays.
Your baby should be followed up by a rehabilitation specialist; you can consult with the physician there.
Generally, assessments are conducted in collaboration with pediatric neurologists and rehabilitation specialists.
If further clarification is needed, arrangements can be made through early intervention centers for developmental delays in various counties and cities.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2014/12/29

More Info

When it comes to the developmental concerns of preterm twins, especially those born at 30 weeks and 4 days, it is essential to monitor their growth and development closely. Given that both twins experienced some degree of neurological concern, such as mild intraventricular hemorrhage in the brother and periventricular changes in the other, it is understandable that you are worried about their developmental milestones.

At a corrected age of 5 months, it is important to recognize that preterm infants may develop at a different pace than their full-term counterparts. Typically, by this age, many infants begin to show signs of rolling over, which is a significant milestone in gross motor development. However, it is not uncommon for preterm infants to take a bit longer to reach this milestone. Generally, most infants start to roll over between 4 to 6 months of age, but preterm infants may achieve this milestone closer to 6 to 8 months corrected age.

Your concern about their ability to roll over and the potential for developmental delays is valid. It is crucial to keep in mind that developmental delays can occur for various reasons, including the effects of prematurity, neurological issues, or other underlying health conditions. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are essential to monitor their progress.

In your case, since you have already arranged for occupational and physical therapy evaluations, you are on the right track. These specialists can provide targeted interventions to help your twins develop their motor skills and address any specific concerns you may have. They can also guide you on appropriate activities to encourage movement and development at home.

Regarding whether you should seek further evaluation from a pediatric neurologist or other specialists, it is advisable to consult with your pediatrician first. They can assess your twins' overall development and determine if a referral to a pediatric neurologist is necessary. If there are any signs of significant delays or concerns about their neurological development, a specialist can provide a more in-depth evaluation and recommend appropriate interventions.

In summary, while it is normal to have concerns about the development of preterm twins, especially those with a history of neurological issues, it is essential to monitor their progress closely and seek help when necessary. Regular check-ups, therapy sessions, and open communication with your healthcare providers will be key in ensuring that your twins receive the support they need to thrive. If you notice any significant delays or if your twins are not meeting developmental milestones as expected, do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Developmental Concerns in Premature Twins: A Parent's Guide

Hello Doctor, my second pregnancy resulted in twins, and they were born at 35 weeks. The brother weighed 2100 grams and the sister weighed 2300 grams. As of July 9, they are 6 months old, adjusted to 5 months. However, the brother's development is significantly different fro...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
At 5 months of age, the infant shows insufficient neck support and appears to have delayed gross motor development. It is recommended to consult a pediatric growth and development specialist at a major hospital, and to address any other concerns during the visit.

Understanding Infant Development: When to Seek Pediatric Evaluation

Hello Dr. Lin: I am a mother of twins. My fraternal twins are currently 11 months old (born at 36 weeks + 5 days). I am taking care of my son, who can only lie on his stomach, roll over, and kick his legs. He is not stable when sitting and makes sounds like "A," "a...

Dr. Lin Yishou reply Pediatrics
Hello parents, the symptoms are mild, so you can take the opportunity to have the doctor evaluate them during the vaccination.

Addressing Emotional Challenges in Young Children: A Parent's Guide

I have a pair of children, a 7-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter. However, my son's language expression skills seem to be insufficient; sometimes I have to guess what he wants to say. Recently, I discovered that he has emotional difficulties and occasionally hurts himse...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, I recommend that you first communicate with the teacher to see if there are any pressures related to social interactions with classmates o...

Understanding Premature Infants: Key Concerns for 20-Week Old Babies

I would like to ask about a premature infant born at approximately 20 weeks gestation but weighing 3 kilograms. Should we be concerned about the incomplete development of the child's organs? Are there any specific considerations we should be aware of? Thank you.

Dr. Ma Zhihao reply Pediatrics
Continuous outpatient follow-up for complications related to previous preterm birth, such as those affecting the heart, eyes, and brain. Other aspects should be monitored according to corrected age, including growth and developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling, and stan...