Questions answered on pediatric, neonatal care

The July Deseret News/Intermountain Healthcare Hotline focused on children's health issues, from before birth through childhood. It featured Dr. Peter Lindgren, a pediatrician, and nurse practitioner Tracy Karp, who specializes in neonatal care.

Recently, the hotline introduced a new feature, inviting readers to submit questions by email in addition to phoning in during the hotline to talk one-on-one with a specialist. Those questions were passed onto the experts. Here they are, along with their answers.

The hotline tackles a different topic each month.

· · · · ·

Question: I am about 18 weeks along and am doing everything I can to have a successful pregnancy. It's my first. Are there certain things I should be sure to do/avoid doing?

Answer: Three of the most important things are to think positive, have an good relationship with good communication with your obstetrical provider and listen to your body. Prenatal care is one of the most powerful tools to maximize your chances of having the best possible outcome. The next thing is to identify and meet with a medical provider for your baby before the baby is born. This will also maximize your chances of success. (Tracy Karp)

· · · · ·

Question: My son complains a lot about leg aches and cramps. He's 10 and I suspect they're growing pains, but am not absolutely certain. Should we be concerned? He doesn't have them all the time, but quite often. It's only been going on this time for about four weeks. Sometimes it makes it hard for him to get to sleep. Any suggestions?

Answer: Growing pains occur commonly in preschool and school-aged children. Oddly enough, "growing pains" are not caused by growing. Pain is typically in the lower extremities; it can be crampy, and can often be severe enough to make a child cry. Pain is typically in the evening and may even interrupt sleep. Pain can be relieved by massage, heat, or analgesics — acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

If there are systemic symptoms (eg, unexplained fever, weight loss, decreased activity), persistent pain, or unilateral pain, pain during the day, limp or localized findings (decreased range of motion, warmth, tenderness, swelling, redness), then it is time to have a thorough exam by your child's physician. (Dr. Peter Lindgren)

· · · · ·