Growth and development continues after birth through distinct stages. Assessment of growth includes prenatal exams of the mother and fetus, as well as postnatal exams of physical, dental, and skeletal development. Key milestones are tracked, such as weight gain and loss of primitive reflexes. Nutrition is essential to proper growth, requiring carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Growth charts graphically track weight and assess nutritional status.