Premature Babies and What You Can Do to Avoid Low Birthweight

Some of the babies in the unit are born as early as 23 weeks, which is more than three months premature. Babies born this early weigh only about 1 pound, which is equivalent to about four sticks of butter. Premature babies, or preemies, often have health problems common because of their low birthweight. These problems are becoming more and more successfully treated. About 11% of all babies are born before 37 weeks gestation. Many premature deliveries occur close to term (see below) and these infants generally do well. Infants born more prematurely than 32 weeks gestation routinely require long hospital stays and usually require care in an Special Care Nursery. Premature babies often have medical complications. A baby born more than 2 months early is likely to have serious problems. The lungs may be under-developed.These infants are also at risk for long term problems. The risk of complications accelerates as gestational age decreases. Children born 16 weeks prematurely have many-fold more complications than those born 8 weeks prematurely. Premature delivery is one of the most important causes of serious illness among newborn infants. Recent reductions in infant mortality rates have occurred primarily through more effective treatment of prematurely born infants. Even for the most premature infants, the outlook is improving.

Risks for having a premature baby are:
*anemia or malnutrition in the mother, or having little or no prenatal care
*a history of infertility, stillbirths, abortions, or other premature births
*mothers who smoke have a high risk
*pregnancy with twins or triplets
*conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, toxemia, genetic disorders, or gynecological problems
*falling and sustaining internal injuries while pregnant
*working in physically or mentally stressful jobs
*standing for more than 6 hours at a time

Many premature births can be prevented. Keep all appointments for routine prenatal care. Follow your healthcare provider's orders. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Report any unusual symptoms, especially bleeding or leakage of fluids or symptoms of labor, immediately. Prenatal care is a key factor in preventing preterm births and low birthweight babies. At prenatal visits, the health of both mother and fetus can be checked. Because maternal nutrition and weight gain are linked with fetal weight gain and birthweight, eating a healthy diet and gaining weight in pregnancy are essential.

Parents are excited to take their babies home. For premature babies they may stay in the hospital for weeks or months. Premature babies often need time to "catch up" in both development and growth. In the hospital, this catch-up time may involve learning to eat and sleep, as well as steadily gaining weight. Depending on their condition, premature babies often stay in the hospital until they reach the pregnancy due date. If a baby was transferred to another hospital for specialized NICU care, he or she may be transferred back to the "home" hospital once the condition is stable.

When premature babies go home they need special care. Sometimes they need a special bed or machines to help them breathe. Monitoring of temperature, blood pressure, heart and breathing rates and oxygen levels. Some babies need help with feedings. Special feedings of breast milk or formula, sometimes with a tube into the stomach if a baby cannot suck. Breast milk has many advantages for premature babies as it contains immunities from the mother and many important nutrients. They need this extra care to help them grow. If you see anything wrong or they turn colors on you call 911. It can be scary taking care of a premature baby for some parents. As they grow you feel much better. They are your little bundle of joy to love and care for.