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Retinopathy of prematurity is strongly associated. Infants who were born very prematurely (before the completion of 32 weeks of development in the uterus) usually need more frequent eye examinations by an eye specialist to look for retinopathy of prematurity Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Retinopathy of prematurity is a disorder of premature infants in which the small blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina) grow abnormally. The eyes are examined, and vision is tested. They are usually obvious within the first year of life. The doctor examines the infant for various abnormalities, including signs of hereditary disorders or birth defects Overview of Birth Defects Birth defects, also called congenital anomalies, are physical abnormalities that occur before a baby is born. From birth to about age 1 or 2 years, children grow rapidly. read more, and head circumference Head Circumference Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and weight) and in the size of organs. read more, weight Weight Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and weight) and in the size of organs. The infant's length and height Length and Height Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and weight) and in the size of organs. Vaccines contain either noninfectious components of bacteria or viruses or whole forms of these organisms that have been weakened. Tests are sometimes done, and during many visits, the doctor vaccinates the infant against various illnesses (see Childhood Vaccination Schedule Childhood Vaccination Schedules Vaccination protects children against many infectious diseases. read more and asks the parents questions about various developmental milestones (see table ). During these visits, the doctor uses age-specific guidelines to monitor the infant's growth and development Physical Growth of Infants and Children Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and weight) and in the size of organs.
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Preventive health care visits (also called well-child visits) typically take place within a few days after birth or by 2 weeks of age and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months of age. Healthy infants should be seen by their doctor often during the first year of life.
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