Facts About Pre-Mature Babies
Premature babies, or preemies, are those born at or before 37 weeks of pregnancy instead of what is considered full term (38 to 42 weeks). These babies are born before their bodies and organ systems have completely matured. Preemies are often small, have low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams or 5pounds), and may need help breathing, eating, fighting infection and staying warm.
Pre-term babies have trouble keeping themselves warm because during the last few weeks in the uterus, babies grow a layer of body fat that helps maintain body temperature outside the womb. Keeping the body temperature warm is essential, because it helps to fight off infection and allows a preemie to use energy for development. A baby who isn't warm enough will shiver, which uses a lot of energy, and can deplete a baby's energy and lower metabolism. Preemies also have underdeveloped immune systems, so a low body temperature may make it easier for some infections to thrive.
Premature babies usually need care in a special nursery called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and are monitored for infections and changes in respiratory and pulmonary functions. Preemies have many special needs that make their care different from that of full-term infants, which is why they stay in the NICU from delivery until such time as their organs, weight, and temperature have developed to that of a full term baby. For many, this could take months.
All premature babies are at risk for health problems, but the earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk for serious complications. Some of those problems might include respiratory distress, autism, and a shorter life expectancy. Those pre-term babies that suffer severe health complications might experience severe developmental delays in their cognitive, language and motor skills. Pre-term babies also face an increased risk of lasting disabilities, such as mental retardation, learning and behavioral problems, cerebral palsy, lung problems and vision and hearing loss. Other health issues include the abnormal development of blood vessels in the eyes, anemia, and low blood pressure. Because of the tremendous advances in the care of sick and premature babies, however, more and more babies are surviving and thriving despite being born too early and being very small.
Before you leave the hospital with your new baby, consider taking a course in infant CPR and make sure you're completely comfortable caring for your baby, especially if you'll need to use special monitors at home or give your baby supplemental oxygen or other treatments. Your doctors and nurses will educate you on everything you'll need to know so that you won't feel lost and helpless once you get home.
Pre-term babies have trouble keeping themselves warm because during the last few weeks in the uterus, babies grow a layer of body fat that helps maintain body temperature outside the womb. Keeping the body temperature warm is essential, because it helps to fight off infection and allows a preemie to use energy for development. A baby who isn't warm enough will shiver, which uses a lot of energy, and can deplete a baby's energy and lower metabolism. Preemies also have underdeveloped immune systems, so a low body temperature may make it easier for some infections to thrive.
Premature babies usually need care in a special nursery called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and are monitored for infections and changes in respiratory and pulmonary functions. Preemies have many special needs that make their care different from that of full-term infants, which is why they stay in the NICU from delivery until such time as their organs, weight, and temperature have developed to that of a full term baby. For many, this could take months.
All premature babies are at risk for health problems, but the earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk for serious complications. Some of those problems might include respiratory distress, autism, and a shorter life expectancy. Those pre-term babies that suffer severe health complications might experience severe developmental delays in their cognitive, language and motor skills. Pre-term babies also face an increased risk of lasting disabilities, such as mental retardation, learning and behavioral problems, cerebral palsy, lung problems and vision and hearing loss. Other health issues include the abnormal development of blood vessels in the eyes, anemia, and low blood pressure. Because of the tremendous advances in the care of sick and premature babies, however, more and more babies are surviving and thriving despite being born too early and being very small.
Before you leave the hospital with your new baby, consider taking a course in infant CPR and make sure you're completely comfortable caring for your baby, especially if you'll need to use special monitors at home or give your baby supplemental oxygen or other treatments. Your doctors and nurses will educate you on everything you'll need to know so that you won't feel lost and helpless once you get home.
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