Motherhood brings with it a large number of terms and expressions that are generally unknown. One of these terms that accompany parents since they obtain that wonderful title, is percentiles. A simple word that in principle does not have much meaning, but that, for many parents it becomes a source of obsession.
The term percentile refers to to a position measure that is used for statistics. Through percentages, doctors obtain references with which to establish measurements of average weight and height with which to assess children's growth. However, how percentiles are interpreted can vary greatly from one pediatrician to another. So it is important not to obsess over these figures.
Percentiles are not the exact measure for everyone
Statistics are used to have an estimate, that is, they never mark an absolute certainty since they are made to a certain number of people. In the case of percentiles, these are standard measures obtained from children. That they are in the process of growth and that also depend on such important factors. Like genetic inheritance, intrauterine development or environmental factors, among others.
Therefore, try not to become obsessed with those measures that, on the other hand, in no case do they mark a straight line that cannot be crossed. The percentile helps doctors get some relevant information about the child's health. Since a minimal fluctuation between percentiles does not mean anything, but a significant change in a short period of time, can be a sign of a possible illness, allergy or food intolerance.
It must also be borne in mind that children's nutrition is not always the same. Since breastfed babies tend to weigh less than those who are formula fed. So you do not have to worry about figures. If you do not observe your child, how he assimilates certain foods or if he has problems digesting them.
In this way, the doctor will be able to determine if the child has a digestive or other problem, which may prevent you from gaining overall weight and height.