Gross Motor Delay

My daughter is 9 months old and doctor says she has gross motor delay.  Born perfectly healthy, full term, 7lbs 6oz.  She is rolling over, sitting up without support.  Her only issue is she can bear weight on legs but, absolutely hates it and she shows no interest in pulling up and doesn't not crawl or stay on hands and knees for more than a split second.  We are going to a pediatric pt next week.  My question is this.  My husband's sister had a baby with spina bifada (sp?) and severe mental redardation.  I worry that those type of things are genetic, is this so?


This discussion is related to Significant Gross Motor Delay.

[RockRose]

Angel,  it seems very unlikely that your daughter has spina bifida that isn't diagnosed.  There is a kind of "hidden" spina bifida,  that isn't visually obvious but it doesn't cause symptoms,  so back to square one on that.  I think you can not worry about that one.

How does she seem intellectually?  Does she interact,  seem to begin to understand what you are saying,  recognize favorite toys,  reach for things,  maintain eye contact,  etc?  If she's your first this may be hard for you to judge,  but is your doctor satisfied that she is doing well cognitively?

I wonder about her hips.  Has he expressed any concern about them - maybe bearing weight is very uncomfortable.

I googled "baby won't bear weight on legs" and got lots of questions like yours,  but no real answers - so you're not alone.

Try to put it out of your mind until next week and I bet you'll get answers.

[Angelinthemorning]

Her intellect seems great and doctor agrees.  She is my second baby but, the first was so far advanced in everything walking at 10 months, jumping at 20 months, she's two years old and can carry a conversation with a total stranger and be understood.  
I am trying to stay calm till next week.  
Like you said though, there are a lot of questions out there about this but, no real answers.
Thanks.

[far1079]

Just to let you know, my daughter (perfectly healthy) didn't roll over until 6 months (really only once or twice too), really didn't show any interest of pulling up until 11 months, didn't crawl until 10 months, sat like yours and she is now 15 months and RUNNING! She seemed to do everything all @ once, so don't fret. Some kids do the exact opposite of what your are told they are "supposed" to be doing. And I would inquire more info from your Dr. about why she/he feels there is a delay. Good luck. Things will be fine no matter what.

[Angelinthemorning]

Went to PT today.  Complete relief.  Her body is fine, which I thought might be cause.  She's only about a 2 month delay.  Said she has a bit of sensory issues with her feet.  Aside from that she's just an "extremely stubborn" child. The PT gave us a bunch of different exercises to try.  Signed up for 8weeks of therapy but, doesn't really feel she needs that much.
I know, all that worry for nothing.  But, as you probably know, you just can't help but worry about them!!

[RockRose]

Great news,  Angel!

She might really enjoy the PT sessions if they make them fun - I think I'd have her go to all of them if she is having a good time.  

What a relief.

[Angelinthemorning]

First day of PT by herself.  She cried the whole time(bad seperation anxiety).  On the plus side she's already improved in her standing, and balance.

Thank you everyone. It's great to hear words of comfort and similar experiences!

[RockRose]

Wow, great that she's already improved!  Hopefully she'll be more comfortable next time.