A percentile or a centile is a measure used in statistics indicating the value below which a given percentage of observations in a group of observations fall. The term percentile and the related term percentile rank are often used in the reporting of scores from norm-referenced tests. Every score is in the th percentile.
The 25th percentile is also known as the first quartile Q1 , the 50th percentile as the median or second quartile Q2 , and the 75th percentile as the third quartile Q3. In general, percentiles and quartiles are specific types of quantiles.
Percentiles in a growth chart aren't like grades in school. A lower percentile doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your baby. Let's say both parents are shorter than average, and your baby grows up to have the same stature. It would be perfectly normal for her to rank consistently in the 10th percentile for height and weight as she grows up. What's important to remember is that your doctor is watching how your baby grows, not just how much.
Babies tend to go through rapid growth spurts, during which they might put on a little extra weight or length. Other months they may grow only a fraction of what they normally do. Your child's doctor notes individual peaks and valleys, but she'll be more focused on the overall pattern of growth.
It could be cause for concern if your baby's percentile changes significantly. For example, if she's consistently been around the 50th percentile for weight and then suddenly drops into the 15th, your baby's doctor will want to figure out why.
There could be a medical reason for the change that needs further evaluation. A minor illness or a change in your baby's eating patterns might result in a smaller drop, in which case the doctor may just follow your baby's growth more closely for a while.
If your baby hasn't been sick but her weight gain is slowing down while she's still growing in length, your child's doctor may suggest increasing the number of feedings. You may have to go in for more frequent visits to make sure that your baby starts gaining weight again. There are times when gaining or losing faster than usual is a good thing.
If your baby was underweight, for example, it may be a good sign that she's gaining ounces faster than she's growing inches. Also, being at one end of the growth spectrum isn't always a reason to worry. For example, if your baby is very short and both parents are relatively short, then it may be perfectly appropriate for her to be in the lowest 5 percent. But if your baby is very short and both parents are average height or taller, or if your baby is very slender and both parents are average weight or larger, then the doctor will make sure that there's no problem with her growth like a hormone deficiency or genetic problem.
Also, if your baby is in the top 5 percent for weight, her doctor will keep an eye on her growth — and possibly counsel you about her feedings — to make sure she isn't headed for obesity. If your baby's head measurement is much smaller than average, the doctor makes sure that her brain is growing and developing normally because your baby's brain growth is reflected in the size of her skull.
If her head circumference is much larger than average, she'll be further evaluated to make sure that he doesn't have excess fluid in the brain, a condition called hydrocephalus.
Birth weight seems to matter less than you might think. Genes, not newborn weight, generally determine adult size. Petite babies sometimes grow to be strapping adults, and large babies can become slender over the years. A baby's parents are the best indicator — are you and your partner tall, short, or average?
Slender, heavy, or medium? Example of metric icons found in the "Compare Clubs" section of the Club Benchmarking platform.
Percentile Line with Your Club between the 25th and 75th percentiles. Percentile Line with Your Club less than the 25th percentile, in the first quartile.
0コメント