What It Means to be a Premature Baby?

Babies born more than three weeks earlier than their expected due date are called “premature.” Premature babies (preemies) didn’t have enough time to grow and develop as much as they should have before birth.

Premature birth	Before 37th week of pregnancy
Late Preterm	34-36  weeks
Moderately preterm	32-34 weeks
Very preterm	28-32 weeks
Extremely preterm	Before 28 weeks

Risk factors

At times, it’s unclear exactly what causes premature birth. But certain things can raise the risk. For many preterm deliveries, there are no recognised risk factors.Several risk factors associated with both previous and current pregnancies include: 

• Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples.
• More than one miscarriage or abortion.
• A previous premature birth.
• Premature birth can be more likely in certain situations due to health issues like:
• Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta.
• A few infections, primarily affecting the lower genital tract and amniotic fluid.
• Chronic conditions(diabetes and high blood pressure)
• Injuries or trauma to the body.
• A preterm pregnancy can also be increased by certain lifestyle choices, such as:
• Smoking cigarette
• Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy.
• Age (less than 17 or over 35)
• Going through stressful life events

Know more about risk factors from our experts

What Health Problems Can Happen?

Not all premature babies have health complications. On the other hand, premature birth can result in both immediate and long-term health issues. The likelihood of complications increases with an infant’s early birth. Additionally, birth weight is also crucial. 

Some problems may be clear at birth and some show later.

Short-term complications

The following are possible early-life complications of premature birth: 

Breathing problems:

Premature babies may experience respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia due to undeveloped lungs. 

Heart problems

Premature newborns frequently experience low blood pressure and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), two common heart conditions. PDA is an opening that connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Although this heart defect usually heals on its own, if left untreated, it can cause issues including heart failure. At that point, the heart’s ability to pump blood is compromised. Low blood pressure may need to be treated with fluids through a vein, medicines, and sometimes blood transfusions.

Brain problems

Early birth increases the risk of intraventricular bleeding, which can cause brain damage. Premature babies also face temperature control issues, losing body heat quickly, leading to hypothermia. This can cause breathing problems, low blood sugar levels, and energy depletion. Smaller premature babies require extra heat from warmers or incubators to stay warm.

Digestive problems

Premature infants often have undeveloped digestive systems, leading to issues like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), anaemia, and newborn jaundice. These babies may experience a slower drop in red blood cell count, causing a yellowing of skin and eyes. They also have difficulties with metabolism, which is the body’s process of converting food and drink into energy. Additionally, their undeveloped immune systems increase the risk of illnesses like sepsis, which can spread quickly to the bloodstream. Premature babies who receive only breast milk have a lower risk of these issues.

Long-term complications

• Cerebral palsy
• Trouble learning
• Vision problems
• Hearing problem
• Dental problems
• Behaviour and mental health problems
• Ongoing health issues.

Prevention

The specific cause of premature birth often remains unknown. However, certain measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of a preterm birth, such as: 

• Taking progesterone supplement
• Cervical cerclage

Staying in bed is one thing that does not help avoid premature birth. Resting in bed increases the chance of blood clots, weakened bones, and decreased muscle strength. It may potentially increase the risk of preterm birth.

Learn more about prevention from our experts

Treatment and Services at Motherland Hospital:

Motherland Hospital is well-equipped to handle premature births. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns. Our team of highly trained pediatric neonatologists, considered among the best in Noida, nurses, and respiratory therapists offer comprehensive care.

If you’re looking for a neonatologist near you, our team at Motherland Hospital is a great option. We understand the importance of finding the right care for your newborn, and we’re here to help.

Conclusion 

Premature babies often require specialized care in hospital units like NICUs. Motherland Hospital’s Neonatology Department offers a comprehensive range of treatments and services to ensure the best possible outcomes for premature newborns.  Our team works closely with families to provide support and guidance throughout their baby’s journey to health.