Nursery Follow-Up Clinic

Today went to her first appointment at the nursery follow-up clinic.  At this appointment she is seen by her pediatrician, a behavioral/developmental specialist pediatrician and a physical therapist.  The purpose of the clinic is to look at her development more closely and check to see if there are any areas that might need attention.  Sophie appears to be right on track for her adjusted age.  The physical therapist gave us some activities and exercises we could do to help with some of the stiffness typical in preemies.  Everyone was very enthusiastic about how well she is doing.

Sophie also got the first in a series of Synagis shots which are given to micropreemies to help prevent RSV, Respiratory Syncytial Virus.  RSV is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more serious in young babies, especially to those in certain high-risk groups, including preemies.  In these high risk groups, getting the virus can mean serious respiratory issues that can require hospitalization,  oxygen or being put back on a ventilator.  The virus can not be treated by antibiotics.  The Synagis shots are not a vaccine, but instead a dose of antibodies that would help fight the virus if she were to get it, keeping her from getting a serious case.  She will have to have these shots once a month for 6 months during the RSV season.  She also got a flu shot and will have to get one more shot in a month since this is the first time she has received a flu shot.  She disliked both shots equally.

Sophie weighed 15 lbs. 12 oz, was 25.5 inches long and her head circumference was 17.32 inches.  Her doctor was thrilled with her growth.

Growth Percentiles
Adjusted age (4 mo. 3 wks)
weight/59th percentile
height/55th percentile
head/92nd percentile

Actual Age (8 months)
weight/9th percentile
height/5th percentile
head/58th percentile