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Educational article

From Birth to Previous Treatments: Personal Details That Can Help Assess Growth

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 5 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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A child health record and dated height and weight measurements arranged in preparation for a growth evaluation.
Measurement dates help reconstruct a growth trajectory; there is no need to gather a complete medical record.

Do you need to bring a complete medical history?

Not necessarily. For an evaluation of growth or puberty, it may be helpful to gather some personal history details and dated records. This information provides context for the healthcare team, but no single piece of information can establish the cause of a change.

Birth details that may be useful

If available, note birth weight and length, gestational age, and whether there was prematurity or fetal growth restriction. If you do not remember a number, say so; there is no need to estimate it.

Health history and treatments

Mention long-term illnesses, hospitalizations, and significant changes in health, including approximate dates and duration if known. Include current or previous medications and other treatments, the reason they were used, and how long they were used. Do not stop or change a medication to prepare for the appointment; any adjustment should be discussed with the treating healthcare professional.

Surgery, radiation therapy, and other treatments

If there was surgery, radiation therapy, or another relevant treatment, note approximately when it took place and the reason, if known. Share this history without assuming that it explains a change in growth or puberty on its own. If there were no such treatments, you do not need to add anything.

Records that may help reconstruct the course over time

If you have them, bring height and weight records, medical reports, and previous test results related to the evaluation. Dates make it possible to review how measurements have changed over time. In Colombia, you can check whether you have the child health record or reports from previous checkups. You do not need to gather every document before attending.

Brief preparation for the evaluation

Gather the available documents and prepare a note with birth details, relevant illnesses or hospitalizations, and treatments. Also note any information you do not know or have not been able to confirm. The child or adolescent can take part according to their age and preferences, and ask what information is needed or how the records are interpreted.

When should you seek an evaluation?

If you have concerns about the growth trajectory or the timing of pubertal development, discuss them with the healthcare professional who cares for the child or adolescent to help guide next steps. There is no need to wait until you have all the documents. This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace an individual evaluation.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I do not have the birth weight or length?

Share the details you remember, such as gestational age or whether there was prematurity, and clarify what information is unavailable. Do not estimate numbers.

Should I bring all medical reports and a list of medications?

Bring the reports and treatment records you have, including an approximate duration if known. If information is missing, you can explain that during the evaluation.

Does a history of illness or hospitalization explain growth on its own?

Not necessarily. It is interpreted together with changes in measurements over time, other personal history, and the professional evaluation.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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