After giving birth, one of the first people you will see for the newborn’s care is a pediatrician. However, knowing when to see one, when, and how long is a task that bothers most parents. A pediatrician is essential for your baby’s health because they focus on their wellbeing, whether emotionally, physically, or mentally. Such specialists will help your child by fostering their healthy lifestyle. They do this by advising, preventing, and treating all kinds of illnesses that may affect your child. San Pedro pediatrics specialists at Harbor Community Health Centers are well trained and use advanced techniques to treat and prevent illnesses affecting children, thus promoting healthy lives for all children. If your child shows any symptoms, the pediatrician will evaluate them before offering the appropriate treatment.
What are the reasons for seeing a pediatrician?
As your child grows, they will likely develop symptoms of various conditions, and this will force you to see the doctor. You should ensure that you give the doctor all the information they require about your child and ask any questions. The following are the reasons that might prompt you to see a pediatrician:
- Vaccination
Vaccines are essential injections that will help your child immune to some diseases. Such injections are recommended for children at a certain period of their ages as they progress into adulthood. Such vaccinations may include influenza vaccines, vaccines for measles or mumps, hepatitis A and B vaccines, Polio, and many other vaccines.
- To monitor the development of the child.
It is crucial to monitor how the child develops and their milestones. The pediatrician will do physical examinations such as checking their weight and height. The doctor will also check the body mass index (BMI) of the child. After this, the doctor will explain and make comparisons to you about the child’s progress and that of the other agemates to gauge how the child is developing.
iii. Sickness
Most children develop symptoms of various ailments at some points in their lives; it is vital to seek medical attention immediately; the child shows such symptoms. Since they are young, waiting for the symptoms to worsen is not advisable as this might be fatal or cause further complications.
- Behavioral
Most children experience behavioral changes at some point in their lives, such as bedwetting and other indiscipline cases. This may worry parents but seeking help from a pediatrician will help in solving such behavioral concerns. Pediatricians are experts in handling medical and psychological issues of children, such as dyslexia or problem with feeding; the doctor will closely work with other specialists to ensure that your child is assisted.
It would help if you took your child to a well-child visit during their first year at least seven times. This will allow you to ask any questions regarding the child’s wellbeing. If you have any concerns for your child, make a consultation with the doctor. Make an appointment with the doctor If your child has a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius (104-degree Fahrenheit) or any fever accompanied by unusual conditions such as seizures, difficulty breathing, and constant crying.