Question
A five-month-old baby, during tummy time training, is unable to lift their head, but can support it when held upright, though it’s not very stable. The baby was born one month premature, and the parents are seeking an explanation for this situation.
Answer
This symptom typically points to delayed nervous system development, which may be a sign of cerebral palsy. This condition often correlates with prematurity, as the development of the nervous system may not be fully mature. It is recommended to visit the pediatric health care department of a hospital for a comprehensive developmental assessment and to undergo magnetic resonance imaging. At the same time, active functional exercises should be conducted. Considering that the baby is premature, their physical growth and various functions have not yet fully matured, so this condition cannot be directly diagnosed as cerebral palsy.