Nothing for new parents can be more precious and exciting than their newborn baby, and rightly so. But childbirth does not always go according to plan. Sometimes, due to underlying health conditions of the mother or the fetus, premature birth is a possibility. Caring for a newborn can be somewhat daunting, especially if the baby is premature.This article discusses some of the early challenges that premature babies face and care for premature babies.
Premature babies or babies born before 37 weeks of gestation do not have enough time to develop in the womb. Hence their systems do not develop completely. As a result, they need extra care and monitoring till the various systems develop and the baby is able to stabilize and survive on their own.
In This Article
- What is Premature Birth?
- Possible Health Problems Premature Babies Can Have
- What Kind of Care Do Premature Babies Need?
- Consequences For Preterm Babies Later in Life
- FAQ’s
What is Premature Birth?
Premature birth or preterm birth refers to a childbirth condition – when a baby is born within 37 weeks after conceiving. It’s a phase when the organs of the newborn don’t develop properly. But the organs become equipped to permit those little bundles of joy for normal survival after birth.
However, plentiful factors are involved with premature birth cases. It becomes a challenging task to bring the situation back to normal.
Unfortunately, some premature babies run risks of contacting short-term to long-term complications. The complications can include various disabilities and impediments to cognitive development.
Possible Health Problems Premature Babies Can Have
Premature babies can run the risk of exposure to various infections and diseases. All because of the incomplete development of the internal organs. The smaller or more premature the baby is, the higher the risk the baby may face.
In the case of immature lungs, it can pose some danger for premature babies. In extreme conditions, the air sacs fail to position in the right place to function appropriately. Therefore, the baby’s lungs cannot exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide sufficiently. In such cases, the doctors keep the newborn baby on ventilator support as it becomes essential for the baby’s survival.
[Read : Common Health Issues Of Premature Babies]
What Kind of Care Do Premature Babies Need?
Your premature baby needs extra and special care to feel relaxed. Mothers need to ensure the baby gets the right environment for proper growth. From mental to physical, preterm babies require additional care. Here are a few steps to follow to fulfil the needs of your little one.
1. Safe Bathing
While bathing your baby, ensure the water temperature isn’t too harsh. The water must be warm and plain. Avoid using any liquid cleanser, oil, or baby lotion. You can consider sponge bathing until the baby reaches 2.5kg.
2. Breastfeeding
This is a vital factor in the case of premature babies especially. Breastfeeding can bring you the essence of motherhood. Make sure you offer your preterm baby only breastmilk. Breast milk is rich in vitamins and nutrients. It will help your premature baby’s fast growth and healthy development.
[Read : Why is Sleeping on the Back Considered Best For Babies]
3. Prevent SIDS
SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome, also known as cot death, is a deadly condition in babies. In such a condition, a healthy baby can die while sleeping. Unfortunately, it occurs within the first 6 months of the babies.
Mothers should avoid making the babies fall asleep on their stomachs. It can increase breathing difficulties. Also Make sure your baby sleeps in the back since it allows them to inhale fresh air and prevents breathing difficulties.
Side sleeping is also unsafe, as per a few studies. Also, be careful while sleeping with your newborn. Your baby can suffocate himself with the blanket or pillow you place in bed.
4. Be Prepared For Emergencies
Premature babies can have emergencies at any moment. So, parents must be very cautious and prepared while observing premature babies. You have to note down the nearest hospitals for emergencies. And the fastest route to save time before the situation gets worse. It’ll be better if the parents and caretakers receive basic life support training for very young premature babies who are discharged from the hospital.
[Read : CPR in Babies]
Consequences For Preterm Babies Later in Life
All preterm babies experience some sort of short-term and long-term difficulties in life. From severe health risks to mental disorders – premature babies can have a harsh impact on life, including
- Social and behavioral problems.
- Developing conditions like Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder.
- Visual and hearing impairments, poor health development, insufficient growth, and other lifelong concerns like cerebral palsy.
- Developing other chronic issues like diabetes, heart problem, hypertension, etc.
- Frequent occurrence of emergencies to run at the hospital.
- Having a higher risk of life loss.
- Serious respiratory complications with an increasing chance of asthma.
Early labor is a prime cause of premature births. Premature births can cause complications in babies. There was a time when the fatalities in the case of preterm births were quite high. But with advances in medical sciences, preemie babies are receiving medical care which is improving chances of survival and healthy thriving.
FAQ’s
1. What Complications May a Premature Baby Face in Life?
A premature baby can face various physical and social difficulties, including breathing problems, diabetes, metabolism & immune system issues. They can suffer problems related to the heart, brain, and blood flow system to the temperature control problem.
2. What Nutrients Do Premature Babies Need For Growth?
To ensure good health and growth, parents must offer the preterm babies proper nutrients like proteins, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Mothers can feed their children special formulas enriched with nutrients to help the baby grow.
3. Are Premature and Preterm Babies The Same?
Yes, Premature and preterm are the same and they are born before 37weeks of gestation.
Read Also: 10 Questions Parents of Every Premature Baby Ask And Answers
