Stunted Growth in Kids: Signs, Causes, and Prevention

Filipinos love to tease, often without meaning harm. But, sometimes, words can sting more than intended. A child who is smaller than others might be casually called "bansot" or "pandak" without realizing that behind the joke could be a serious health concern, such as stunted growth.

Many parents don't always realize the risk of stunting can start even before birth. If a pregnant mom isn't getting proper nourishment and care, her child may already be at risk by the time they're born.

That may sound overwhelming, but here's the hopeful part: stunting is largely preventable. Here's how you can start taking steps to protect your child's growth and development.

What is Stunting?

Stunting occurs when a child doesn’t get the nutrients they need. It results in a child being significantly shorter; their height (or length for children under 2) falls below the average measurement for kids their age based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Standard Growth Charts. (You can track your child's height and weight using ParenTeam's growth chart calculator.)

Other signs of stunting may include a slow rate of growth over time and weaker immune system. A low birth weight doesn't always mean stunted growth, but it does put a child at risk if their nutrition and care don't improve.

Causes of Stunted Growth

Stunted children may never reach their full height as adults.

While stunting rates have been declining in the Philippines, three out of 10 kids under 5 are stunted. And the most number of cases happen when they hit their second birthday. WHO highlights several key factors why this occurs.

Pregnant mother's health

Research published in Nature, covering over 52,000 children across 14 countries, found that most cases of stunted growth begin as early as birth or within the first three months of life.
One key reason? A pregnant mom is often sick or not getting the nutrients she needs.

Even the spacing between pregnancies affects how a child grows in the womb. Closely spaced pregnancies may not give moms enough time to recover and rebuild her nutrient stores, increasing the risk of stunting.

Malnutrition

Nutritional deficiency or malnutrition is a major cause of stunting in kids. When children don’t get the right kind and amount of nutrients during their first 1,000 days (from conception to age 2), it can seriously harm their growth and development in ways that can’t be undone.

In the Nature study, it was rare for children to fully catch up in height. And those who did faced setbacks and experienced a relapse, especially those born already facing stunting challenges.

Repeated illnesses

Malnourished children tend to get sick more often, which can lead to them losing even more nutrients.

For instance, diarrhea in early childhood is a major risk factor for stunted growth. A study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that children who experience multiple episodes of diarrhea in the first two years of life are more likely to become stunted. 

Poor sanitation and hygiene

When children drink unsafe water, lack access to clean toilets, or fail to wash their hands properly, they’re more likely to get sick, especially with stomach bugs. These infections can make it difficult for their bodies to absorb the nutrients they need to grow.

Consequences of Stunted Growth

Research shows the impact of stunting can follow children in their adult life, even affecting their own kids someday.

• Children who are stunted may never reach their full height as adults.
• They may experience delayed mental and cognitive development, as well as reduced intellectual capacity. 
• They may have to cope with learning difficulties, which can result in lower academic performance.
• They have a higher risk of developing chronic health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

WHO adds that women who are shorter face higher risks during childbirth because of a smaller pelvis.

How to Prevent Stunting

Stunting affects 148.1 million children under age 5 worldwide, and more than half live in Asia.

As the causes of stunting illustrate, stunting can be prevented and even reversible with timely intervention. It boils down to proper nutrition, hygiene, and consistent care, beginning as early as pregnancy. Here are seven ways you can help your child and yourself:

1. If you're pregnant, go to every prenatal checkup your ob-gyn requires to monitor your health and your child's development.   
2. Eat healthy before and during your pregnancy. Find inspiration from these pregnancy meal plan ideas or healthy snacking tips.
3. Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, according to WHO, and continue doing so for up to 2 years or more.
4. Follow Pinggang Pinoy to guide healthy meal planning for your family.
5. Schedule regular health checkups and recommended vaccinations for your child. 
6. Seek medical attention for any signs of illness to prevent complications.
7. Practice good hygiene, from handwashing to proper disposal of household waste.

When to Seek Help from a Pediatrician

It's always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child's health. Reach out to your pediatrician if:

• You notice any of the signs of stunting mentioned.
• Your child frequently gets sick, which appears to affect their growth and energy levels.
• You think your child is an extremely picky eater, consistently refusing to eat a variety of foods.
• You suspect your child has developmental delays.
• You are unsure about proper feeding practices or need guidance on providing a balanced diet for your child.

Stunted growth may sound alarming, but understanding its causes is already a decisive first step. With the proper care, nutrition, and a healthy environment, you can give your child the strong foundation they need to grow, learn, and thrive. Every small, consistent effort you make adds up to a big difference in your child’s future!