The Height Of It All

There are various misconceptions about the growth and height of children. Kayal Arivalan gets an expert to debunk the myths

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ne of the main concerns for young parents is the height of their growing child. While some children are taller than others at a younger age, others are slower to get there. According to studies, a person's DNA is a genetic blueprint that contains his or her maximum height potential. In addition to environmental and economic factors, foetal development throughout pregnancy and the birth weight might also have a significant effect in determining a child's height potential. This is because a child's nutrition throughout their formative years has a significant impact on their adult height. "Sleep also influences a child's height," reveals Dr Jesal Sheth, Senior ConsultantPaediatrician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.