Caring for premature babies requires a little extra attention than other babies.
A premature baby is born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth can be grouped according to gestational age:
- Extremely premature (before 28 weeks)
- Very premature (28 to less than 32 weeks)
- 32–37 weeks is a moderate to late preterm period.
Preterm births can occur due to spontaneous preterm labor or medical indications for early cesarean delivery or labor induction.
According to the World Health Organization, around 13.4 million infants were born prematurely in 2020. That is greater than one baby out of ten. In 2019, approximately 900,000 babies lost their lives due to complications from premature delivery.
Preterm birth is a global burden that poses a risk of neonatal mortality or the death of children under the age of five. Premature birth can have both immediate and long-term effects. These effects include stunted growth and health, mental and intellectual disabilities, and the early onset of chronic illnesses.
Premature birth causes and risk factors.
Sometimes, doctors are unable to determine the cause of premature birth. However, you could be at a higher risk of having a premature baby if you:
- Are expecting twins or other multiples
- Have an infection or injury during pregnancy
- Use illegal substances, smoke or drink alcohol
- Are under 17 years or over 35 years
- Have depression or undergoing a stressful situation
- Have problems with the cervix, uterus, or placenta
- Have other health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
- Had a premature baby before
- Have had multiple miscarriages or abortions
- Got pregnant less than six months after a previous pregnancy
Caring for a premature infant tips
Premature newborns require the same care as other babies but slightly more.
Care during pregnancy
- Mothers who are at risk of preterm delivery (for example, those who have previously experienced a preterm birth) should know that it may occur again and plan accordingly.
- Health practitioners who care for pregnant women must assess their risk of delivering prematurely and be able to diagnose and manage conditions that can lead to preterm birth (for example, pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes pregnant mothers to have high blood pressure).
- Women in premature labor should give birth in a medical facility where they and their newborns can receive the care they require. They may need to go to a more advanced hospital for advanced care, which is safer to do while the baby is still in the womb.
- It is best to avoid cesarean delivery and premature labor induction unless medically necessary.
- Pregnant women who go into premature labor should have a steroid injection to speed up the development of the baby’s lungs.
Care for a premature baby
- You must protect the baby from infections. Anybody who comes into contact with the mother or the baby should wash their hands. Perform medical examinations and procedures only when needed. Use sterile gloves and cutting devices to clamp and cut the umbilical cord.
- After delivery, dry the baby carefully and keep it warm. Once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut and their breathing is normal, place it on their mother’s chest skin-to-skin until they start breastfeeding.
Premature babies and term babies with low birth weights require extra warmth and support for feeding. In this case, the kangaroo mother care is the best.
“Kangaroo Mother Care” involves holding the infant skin-to-skin on the chest of an adult, usually the mother, for prolonged periods. Preterm and full-term babies under 2 kg without serious health problems can use it. The infant is placed on the mother’s chest and remains there all day and all night, secured in place by a cloth fastened behind the mother.
Kangaroo mother care is efficient and provides a premature baby with warmth, frequent breastfeeding, infection prevention, stimulation, safety, and love. It also strengthens the bond between mothers and their infants.
- Breast milk provides preterm babies with the best nutrition. Breastfeeding should begin as soon as a baby is born. Most premature babies cannot coordinate the suck-and-swallow reflex, express the breast milk, and feed it by a spoon, cup, or nasogastric tube.
- A premature baby’s immunity is still developing, and they are at risk of infections.
You should protect them from infections as much as possible. You should also keep your baby up to date with all the vaccines as recommended by the pediatrician.
Stay away from some visitors and public spaces. Restrict who comes to your house. One who is sick should not come, no one should smoke there, and everyone who comes should wash their hands before touching the premature baby.
Health challenges faced by premature baby
Infections: Preterm babies are more likely to experience severe infections. They are more susceptible to infection and death because their immune systems are still developing.
Brain: Lack of oxygen can cause brain damage in preterm infants. Bleeding or hypoxia puts the baby at risk of learning difficulties, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy.
Keeping warm: Preterm infants are more likely to experience life-threatening hypothermia because they lose body heat more quickly. To stay warm and develop, they require more energy and attention.
Feeding: Because their coordinated suck and swallow reflexes are still developing, preterm babies may have difficulty feeding. They might require more assistance when feeding.
Breathing: While some preterm infants require resuscitation at birth, many begin breathing on their own. Preterm babies may have trouble breathing if their lungs are underdeveloped and do not contain a surfactant, which keeps the lungs expanded. Premature babies may not always have the strength to breathe cause apnea.
Parents are likely to feel anxious and worried when they have a preterm baby. However, there are steps that parents can take to support their premature baby’s growth and development. You can support your baby’s development into a healthy toddler and beyond with medical attention and parental nurturing.
Taking care of your premature infant can be challenging in many ways. However, you are not alone. Friends, family, and medical professionals are here to support you during this difficult time and ensure the continued health of your preemie.