subject: What to Expect at the Doctor's Office [print this page] A checkup also is a chance for youto talk with the doctorabout developmental and safety issues and to ask any questions you have about your child's overall health.
What to Expectat the Doctor's Office
At a typical well-child visit, your doctor will weigh and measure your child to chart progress along a normal pattern of growth. The doctor will take a family and medical history and perform a complete physical examination.
If indicated or if it has not been done previously, your child may be screened for anemia, lead poisoning, TB, high cholesterol, or other specific conditions. The doctor will also ask about your child's eating habits.
Your child's teethwill be examined for tooth decay, abnormal tooth development, malocclusion (abnormal bite), dental injuries, and other problems. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)recommends that all kids visit the dentist no later than age 3, many dentists and pediatricians feel kids should have a first exambetween 2 and 3 years of age earlier if problems are suspected.
At this age, most kids should have had these recommended immunizations:
four doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine
three doses of polio (IPV) vaccine
four doses of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine
one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine
three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (Hep B)
one dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
Your child may also receive a flu shot (seasonal and/or H1N1), which is recommended every year before flu season.
Developmental Progress
The doctor will make sure all immunizations are up-to-date and check developmental progress. He or she will ask a number of questions to see if your child's everyday behavior is age appropriate, including how your child communicates with others, behaves around other kids, and whether he or she can identify family members or follow simple instructions without gestured cues (such as "Come here"). The doctor may also check for specific milestones: Can your child kick a ball? Use two-word phrases? Imitate adults? Stack seven blocks?
What to Expect at the Doctor's Office
By: Dr Izharul Hasan
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