Here is an interesting comparison that I thought I would share. I think some people believe that premature babies are just "tiny" newborns. Those who know Olivia and other premature babies know that is not the case. So many things were underdeveloped when Olivia and her brother ventured into this world 17 weeks early. Can you imagine having to process the world around you with a brain that is not fully developed? And, not just your brain, but every other organ in your body. I continue to worry about the ramifications of that. It also reminds me of what a miracle she is.
Over the past few weeks, we have noticed a disturbing "habit" that Olivia is developing. At first, we thought that she only did it when she was mad. Then, she started doing it more and more. I intend to bring it up with her pediatrician at her 18 month check up next week, but I was hoping that I was just over-reacting. My parents saw it over the weekend and Ryan's mom noticed it today and all are a little concerned. She tenses up her fists and her whole body shakes. It's different than the shuddering that she used to do when she was younger. That was more of a quick fluttering (that happened when she went to the bathroom.) With this, her body is a lot more tense. It only lasts a few seconds, but sometimes she will do it multiple times in a row. If anyone has seen or experienced something like this, I would love to hear your feedback. I don't think a day goes by when I don't worry about her.
On to good news. . .Olivia slept through the night last night. We believe she is getting two more bottom teeth that may be contributing to the nighttime wakings. Hopefully, last night wasn't just a fluke and the trend will continue. Boy, was it nice to sleep all night long!! Grandma Mary is watching her today, so it's been nice to have a little "me" time. I can actually sit and think about what I'm going to write instead of hammering something out quickly during Baby Signing Time. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to share. Lately, blogger has been doing some odd things to my pictures and I'm not sure why I can't get them centered. Hopefully, I'll get that figured out soon.
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7 comments:
I dont know if it is any help but I do have episodes like that alot. I was diagnosed with panic attacks after almost a year with them. The doctors wanted to make sure that I was responsive druing them and since I remeber them it ruled out seizures. I doubt this helps because I highly doubt that your baby is having panic attacks but thats all I could think of.
Praying for you all
-Kathryn
That sounds exactly like what my youngest daughter use to do!!!!She's 10 now but I remember her starting to do that when she was probably 3 or 4. I know that's older than Olivia but it sounds almost exactly the same. I did take her to the doctor thinking she was seizing. (I'm a nurse and really didn't think so but I'm also a mom who was freaking out). She didn't do it so much when she was mad but when she was tired or upset. She has since outgrown it. She's 10 1/2 now. She would actually be lying down and curl one leg up but I could always talk to her and she could/would stop. Jessica was a full term baby so I can't help you with that comparison but the rest of it sounds very familiar!!!
Let me know if I can help any other way!!!
Jacquie
It sounds like a tic. My daughter did that same hand and body tensing for a while and the pediatrician and a neurologist said it was just a benign tic of childhood.
Kinnick does this ALL of the time. I've asked all of her doctors (Neuro, Ped, OT, PT, VT, SLP, Developmental Specialist). All I can get is that it is a way to stimulate herself. They call it self stemming. She does it in the highchair, the exersaucer and the swing. She never does it while sitting on the floor or laying down. She's low tone and they say this is a way to send some sort of signal to the brain. They all seem to think she'll outgrow it. Nobody seems too worried - other then me. They have said that it is definitely NOT a seizure. I can distract her and she'll stop.
I don't have any ideas for what you described although I can say through experience with my daughter and some of the problems she had that you should really try to get the episodes on video to take to your doctor. Doctors are much more able/willing to give a more precise diagnosis if it is something they can see.
My brother did that when he was little. We have pictures of him with his little fists clenched, his teeth clenched and his body stiff. It was just something he did, a habit of his that he developed. I don't think I would be too concerned, at least not until you talk to your Dr and they see a reason to worry. Little kids do weird things! Claire used to go around and sit against the wall and just beat her head on the wall. Freaked me out. I later found out that is a way for babies to develop rhythm. Should be a less scary way if you ask me.
Julie Hamlett
Jodi, I can say from experience, my oldest had that tense-ness in her hands and arms when she was young, maybe 2 or 3, she out grew it. She would do it when she got exicited. At first I was worried also, but it is not a problem, I think it is like a reflex, she kind of stiffened her arms in sort of a bent arm stance, and her hands tightend up, almost fist like. I would not worry too much. she out grew it. MNJ
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