Premature Birth

Premature Birth

It is defined as the birth of the baby before the 37th week of pregnancy. It usually occurs 3 or 4 weeks before the due date. Premature babies have many complications of prematurity. Based on how early baby is born it is classified as:

  • Extremely preterm, before 25 weeks (about 5 and a half months) of pregnancy
  • Very preterm, less than 32 weeks (about 7 and a half months)
  • Moderately preterm, between 32 and 34 weeks (about 8 months)
  • Late preterm, between 34 and 36 weeks (about 8 and a half months)
Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of preterm baby include:Premature Birth Symptoms Causes Treatment

  • Lanugo cover almost complete body surface
  • Low body temperature
  • Small size
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Lack of swallowing reflex
  • Feeding problems
Complications

Complications may occur in very preterm babies who have low birth weight also and does not occur in all babies, complication include:

  • Heart problems like patent ductus arteriosus
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Temperature control problems
  • Brain problems
  • Disturbed metabolism
  • Immature immune system problems
Diagnosis

After taking history and conducting physical examination your doctor recommends the following tests:

  • Monitored heart rate
  • Checking breathing pattern and rate
  • Blood test to check the complete blood count
  • Ultrasound scan to check the different organs
  • Echocardiogram to check the function of fetal heart
Treatment

Following treatment options include:

  • Monitoring baby vitals like heart rate, breathing rate, pulse rate etc./
  • Placed baby in incubator to maintain temperature
  • Feeding the baby through iv tube or nasogastric tube
  • Maintain body fluid
  • Treat infant jaundice by blue light therapy
  • Medications include surfactant for respiratory problems, antibiotic injections for infections etc.
Lifestyle and home remedies

Following tips will help to take safe care of your premature baby:

  • Discuss feeding issue with your pediatric
  • Take help with other people around you
  • Take sleep
  • Eat healthy food
  • Protect baby from infection
  • Maintain hygiene
  • Follow vaccination schedule
Scroll to Top