Premature Baby

What is Premature?

A premature baby is a baby that has been born before the gestational age of 37 weeks. However, because a normal pregnancy typically lasts from 38 to 42 weeks, a baby born as early as 34 weeks may not experience any problems and may require no extended hospitalization time. Obviously, the higher the gestational age, the better chances a baby has of surviving. But, babies as young as 24 weeks have a good chance of survival as well. However, they may continue to need extended care.

Infant Growth

In many instances, a pediatrician will place a premature baby on a specified amount of nutrients in order to encourage the infant to grow at two and even three times the rate of a full-term baby. Because your baby's premature age may require that he stay in the hospital for an extended period of time, the nursery staff will continue to monitor your baby's growth rate.

Keep in mind that it is common for premature babies to lose weight or experience very slow weight gain in the first couple of weeks after birth. Obviously, the smaller the baby, the longer it will take for him to catch up. While you may be able to breastfeed your baby while he is still in the hospital, a premature baby is often placed on a special formula that is fortified with additional nutrients.

Going Home

The one constant thought that concerns every parent is when they can take their premature baby home. Your doctor and the nursing staff that takes care of your baby will be in constant communication with you regarding the status of your child's health. There are several factors that surround the decision of releasing a premature baby from the hospital.

• Gestational age. In most cases, the hospital will not release a baby until he has nearly reached the age he would have been at his due date.
• Weight gain. Doctors will also look at your baby's weight before determining a safe release date.
• Breathing. Your baby will need to be taken completely off the ventilator and breathing on her own for a specific amount of time before she will be released.
• Eating. Many premature babies have to be fed through a tube for the first days and even weeks, so your baby will need to be eating well on her own before she is allowed to go home.

Common Practices

While each premature baby is treated individually, there are some common practices that are performed on preemies. Your doctor should take the time to explain each of these practices and any other procedures that will be done to your baby. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything you don't understand, however.

• Ventilator. Most premature babies are placed on ventilators to help them breathe, even if only for a short time.
• Antibiotics. Antibiotics are typically given to ward off infections.
• IVs. Intravenous fluids will be given.
• Warmers. Radiant warmers are often used to maintain an infant's body heat.
• Monitors. You may be alarmed at all of the monitors attached to your premature baby, but they are there for a reason. Cardiorespiratory monitors and pulse oximeters monitor baby's heart and oxygen levels.

More Premature Baby Info

Finally, there are numerous support groups and informative Websites to help you with all of your questions and concerns.

• Prematurity.org
• Better Health
• Mayo Clinic
• For Parents By Parents
• Come Unity

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