The spring pulsates: is it dangerous?

Each newborn baby has fontanel on his head. They are places of divergence of the bones of the skull, connected by a thick membrane. In total, there are four, three of which are completely delayed during the first months of life, and this process begins in the womb. The biggest one is on the subject and is dragged on for about a year and a half.

It is this place that causes so many fears and fears of young parents. After all, a small child seems completely defenseless, it becomes terrible to take it in your hands, so as not to harm your health. Especially when the child is pulsating with a fontanel, moms 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. First, during impacts and falls, it acts as a shock absorber, which is very important in the period when the child is just learning to walk. Secondly, it is scientifically proven that it is in the first year of life that a child receives maximum information, because he has to immediately get acquainted with the whole world and learn a lot. As a consequence, the brain can change its size and shape, and it needs additional space, which provides fontanel. Thirdly, due to the presence of a place not compressed by the cranium, temperature regulation is carried out, which stabilizes blood pressure.

Most people do not understand why the fontanel pulses. It is worth noting that this happens only at a time when the child is ill or crying heavily. At this time, there is an increase in pressure in the vessels of the head, the tension increases, which can be seen from the pulsation of the temples. This function provides additional help to the developing brain and warns against overexertion. Thus, young parents should not worry if the fontanel pulsates. 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 thread means that the baby does not have enough fluid, so you should immediately give him water and consult your doctor. Perhaps a visit to the pediatrician will show that the child's condition is normal, but an objective check of fears will not be superfluous. When the convex fontanel pulsates, an examination of the cerebral vessels is performed, since there is a possibility of an increase in intracranial pressure, which requires regular monitoring of the doctor.

Many mothers are worried about the time of the tightening of the fontanel, as they believe that this happens too slowly. As a rule, they begin to consult on this issue with women who have already experienced the first maternity, which often leads to even greater anxieties and fears. It is not necessary to focus on such advice, because each child has his own time, the tightening of the fontanel takes place individually. It is not necessary to hurry this time, as too fast process of formation of a skull in some cases leads to a stupor.

In addition, if the fontanel pulsates and falls, then a doctor's examination is also necessary because there is a threat of the development of such a disease 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 are manifested, you should call an ambulance, or take the child to the nearest hospital yourself, in order not to let the disease hurt your health and affect the development of the baby in the future.