Premature Babies
From LoveToKnow Baby
Premature babies are born through no fault of the mother. Although certain circumstances have been linked to premature birth, such as mothers who smoke, use drugs, or drink alcohol, many premature births have no foreseeable cause.
When Is a Baby Considered Premature?
A baby is considered premature if he is born anytime before thirty-seven weeks. A typical pregnancy lasts approximately forty weeks, although this is just an estimate. Babies are commonly born anywhere from thirty-eight to forty-two weeks.
Fortunately, with quality neonatal care, babies who are twenty-four weeks have an excellent chance of survival. Of course, these babies will remain in the neonatal unit for several weeks, and they may develop serious health problems or risks. Preemies who weigh more at birth typically have a better chance of survival, also.
What Are Some of the Problems that Premature Babies Face?
One of the biggest health concerns for premature babies is underdeveloped lungs. While it is extremely common for premature babies of all ages to be placed on a ventilator, babies who aren't as mature may need help breathing for longer periods of time.
Some babies develop RDS, which is respiratory distress syndrome. These babies are kept on a ventilator and administered medicine. Premature babies are also very susceptible to infections, and they are often given antibiotics to ward off infections.
A preemie may not be able to keep her body temperature warm enough because she has so little body fat. If your baby is born prematurely, you may notice that she is kept in a bed equipped with a radiant warmer. The nursing staff will also give your baby an IV for intravenous fluids as she may not be able to eat on her own. Obviously, there can also be many more serious problems and illnesses that premature babies can incur.
When Can You Take Your Baby Home?
This will depend greatly upon the maturation of your baby as well as his overall health. Many pediatricians will not release premature babies from the hospital until they have neared or reached their original birth due date. Pediatricians want to see a premature baby be able to maintain a normal body temperature, be able to eat on his own, and be able to breath without any additional aid.
What Are the Health Risks for Premature Babies As They Develop?
Once a premature baby is allowed to go home, the monitoring of her health care doesn't stop. Premature babies will need to make regular well-child visits to the pediatrician for routine examinations and vaccinations. However, because premature babies may have more health risks than full-term babies, they will need to be monitored more extensively.
Premature babies may be slower in their physical development. Motor skills may develop at a delayed rate, including sitting, rolling over, and walking. A premature baby may also have a language development delay and behavioral problems, and this could be due to any number of reasons. If your child's speech seems to be developmentally delayed, she may need speech therapy for a period of time.
Where Can Parents Find Additional Support and Information?
Caring for a premature baby can be very stressful. Parents should maintain an open communication with their pediatrician to gain answers and find support. Many cities offer high risk clinics which aid not only the baby but the family as well. There may be support groups in your area which are made up of families just like yours. Ask your pediatrician for information regarding these groups.
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Comments
Gabrielle, That is a wonderful career goal!-Susie
-- Contributed by: Susie1506i won't to take care of premature babys when i grow up it seem like i would be saving a family if i do something like that
-- Contributed by: gabrielle westThis page has been accessed 2,261 times. This page was last modified 13:55, 9 April 2006.
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