Each newborn baby has fontanelles on its head. They represent the places of divergence of the bones of the skull, connected by a thick membrane. There are four in total, three of which are completely delayed during the first months of life, and this process begins in the womb. The largest is on the dark and lasts about a year and a half.
This place causes so many fears and concerns of young parents. After all, a small child seems completely defenseless, it becomes scary to pick him up, so as not to harm his health. Especially when a fontanel pulsates in a child, mothers often succumb to panic. But there is no horror in this. In fact, such a seemingly unprotected place performs very important functions that ensure the normal development of the baby. Firstly, during bumps and falls, it plays the role of a shock absorber, which is very important during the period when the child is only learning to walk. Secondly, it is scientifically proven that it is in the first year of life that a baby receives a maximum of information, because he has to immediately get acquainted with the whole world and learn a lot. As a result, the brain can change its size and shape, and it needs additional space, which provides the fontanel. Thirdly, due to the presence of space that is not compressed by the cranium, the temperature regime is regulated, which stabilizes blood pressure.
Most people do not understand why the fontanel pulsates. It is worth noting that this only happens when the child is sick or cries a lot. At this time, there is an increase in pressure in the vessels of the head, tension increases, which can be noticed by the pulsation of the little head. This function provides additional assistance to the developing brain and warns against overvoltage. Thus, young parents should not worry if the fontanel is pulsating. This is a normal process and is present in the life of every person in the first year of life.
However, if at times the fontanel pulsates, sinks, or becomes convex, then this can be an alarming symptom. For example, a hollow little crown means that the baby does not have enough fluid, so you should immediately drink it and consult your doctor. Perhaps a visit to the pediatrician will show that the condition of the child is normal, but an objective check of fears will not be superfluous. When the convex fontanel pulsates, a study of the vessels of the brain is carried out , since there is a possibility of an increase in intracranial pressure, which requires regular monitoring by a doctor.
Many mothers are worried about the time the fontanel is tightened, because they believe that this happens too slowly. As a rule, they begin to consult on this issue with women who have already survived their first motherhood, which often leads to even greater anxieties and fears. It is not worth focusing on such advice, because each child has its own time, pulling the fontanel occurs individually. There is no need to rush this time, since the process of forming the skull box too fast in some cases leads to stupidity.
In addition, if the fontanel pulsates and falls, then a doctor’s examination is also necessary because there is a threat of developing a disease such as hydrocephalus. It involves the accumulation of excess fluid in the ventricles of the brain. As a rule, this condition is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, nausea and vomiting. If the last signs have manifested, you should call an ambulance, or take the child to the nearest hospital on your own, so as not to let the disease harm your health and affect the development of the baby in the future.