Find out more information on premature babies here…
Why do some babies arrive much earlier than others? What are some of the possible problems faced by premature babies? What happens in the NICU? How long will they have to stay in an incubator for?
Most organs are undergoing maturity in the last 3 months of growth, so the risk of complications is proportional to the degree of a baby’s prematurity. Some of the problems may be that premature babies may face include not be able to maintain body temperature, or finding it difficult to suck or swallow.
They may have immature lungs and hence require respiratory support. Premature babies are also more prone to jaundice and to bleeding in the brain. They can also be more susceptible to infections and prone to heart problems like persistence of a blood vessel in the heart (PDA). Babies that are born before 38 weeks of gestation are termed as premature babies.
There are many reasons for premature delivery – factors as multiple pregnancy like twins, infants of diabetic mothers or infections. Care of premature babies is adapted to help these babies compensate for their developmental deficiencies until the organ matures and they will stay in an incubator until they are able to maintain their own body temperature.
Answered by
Dr Irene Chan
Consultant Paediatrician at the iKids Paediatric Practice
A member of Pacific Healthcare
Let us know if you have any advice for mummies with premature babies in the comments below!
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