Puberty

My 9 year 3 month old daughter has developed signs of puberty.  She has under arm hair, a little bit of acne and body odor.  I realize that she is in the normal range (if on the young side of normal) to start seeing changes.  My only concern is that she is tiny.  She is in the 5th percentile on height and weight.  She is just over 48 inches tall and 54 pounds.  I am concerned that if she starts puberty  now that she will be very short.  Right now, if she follows her growth curve will only be about 5 ft 1 inch.  But I am afraid if she goes through puberty now, that she won't even reach that.  
Her father and I am not short. I am 5 ft 5 inches and her Dad is 5 ft 9 inches.  
A year ago I took her to the doctor because of peach fuzz under her arms and was told it wasn't anything to worry about.  But now she also has darker longer hairs developing.  The doctor said to not worry unless she had a growth spurt. Although I am not sure what would be considered a growth spurt and normal growth.  
If she is going through puberty, would they do anything since she is within normal age range?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

HI and thanks for using the forum.

Some girls go through puberty earlier than others.  There really is not anything that you can do to stop it or change your daughter's height.  YOu should discuss your concerns with your daughter's pediatrician to be sure that nothing else is going on.  After that, talk with your daughter about the changes going on with her so that she feels comfortable and that she knows she can ask you questions.  Also, be sure that she knows about getting her period so that she is prepared.  Good luck.

Bridget