Everything You Need to Know About Premature Birth and Premature Babies

When a baby is born earlier than expected, it's a journey filled with questions and concerns for parents. This comprehensive guide aims to answer all your questions about premature birth and how to care for premature babies. Understanding the challenges and health problems that may arise can help parents prepare for the long journey ahead. The experience can be overwhelming, but you can navigate this challenging period more confidently with the correct information. This article will delve into what defines premature babies, the health problems they may face, and how to care for them both in the hospital and at home.

What Defines a Premature Baby? 

A baby born before the 37 weeks of pregnancy is generally considered premature. "preterm births" is often used to describe these early arrivals. The determination is based on the mother's last menstrual period and medical evaluations. Babies born after 40 weeks are considered full-term, and those born before are at a higher risk for complications. It's essential to understand that premature babies require special care and attention compared to full-term babies. Their organs are not fully developed, which makes them more susceptible to health problems.

Categories of Prematurity

Premature babies can be classified into three main categories based on their gestational age:

• Extremely Premature: Babies born before 25 to 28 weeks face the most significant challenges, including severe respiratory distress syndrome and other health problems. They will likely spend several weeks or months in the neonatal intensive care unit.
• Very Premature: Babies born before the 32nd week require special care and may stay in the hospital for weeks or months. They are at a higher risk of developing complications but generally have a better prognosis than highly premature babies.
• Moderate to Late Preterm: Babies between 32 and 34 weeks usually face fewer complications but still require special care. They are often larger and more robust than very or highly premature babies, which aids in their overall development and health.

Health Problems Faced by Premature Babies

Premature babies may encounter various health problems, including respiratory distress syndrome, feeding challenges, and issues with body temperature regulation. These babies are at a higher risk of developing complications that require special care in a neonatal intensive care unit. Other common problems include jaundice, anemia, and infection risks. Parents should be prepared for a long-term stay in the hospital and frequent medical check-ups even after discharge.

Understanding Birth Weight

Premature babies can be categorized based on their birth weight:

• Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA): These babies have a weight suitable for their gestational age. They generally face fewer health problems and have a better prognosis.
• Small for Gestational Age (SGA): These babies weigh less than expected for their gestational age, putting them at a higher risk for complications.
• Significant for Gestational Age (LGA): These babies weigh more than average for their gestational age, sometimes leading to complications during birth, such as shoulder dystocia.

Prevalence of Premature Births

Approximately 1 in 10 infants in the United States are born prematurely, equating to around 380,000 baby stays each year. The rate of preterm births has been increasing, making it a significant public health concern. Various factors contribute to this rise, including increased maternal age, lifestyle factors, and advances in neonatal care that have made it possible for more premature babies to survive.

Causes of Premature Birth

Several factors can contribute to premature birth, including maternal infections, multiple births, and congenital abnormalities. However, in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Understanding these factors can help in developing strategies for prevention. Stress, poor nutrition, and lack of prenatal care are also contributing factors that can lead to preterm births.

Debunking Myths About Premature Birth

Contrary to popular belief, stress, air travel, or diet do not directly cause preterm births. However, a lack of proper prenatal care and confident lifestyle choices can contribute to a higher risk of premature birth. It's crucial to consult healthcare providers for accurate information and guidance on reducing risks.

Reducing the Risk of Premature Birth

While preventing premature birth is impossible, good prenatal care, proper nutrition, and avoiding smoking or drug use can help reduce the risk. Regular check-ups and consultations with healthcare providers are essential for monitoring the baby's development and the mother's health.

Hospital Care for Premature Babies

Premature babies often require special care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Parents should familiarize themselves with standard medical terms and equipment used in the Intensive Care Unit NICU to understand their baby's condition better. The NICU staff will guide you in interacting with your baby, including kangaroo care, which helps regulate the baby's body temperature and promotes bonding.

Bringing Your Preemie Home

Before discharge, your baby must meet specific medical criteria, including stable vital signs and steady weight gain. Parents may also need to learn infant CPR and how to administer medications, as premature babies often require special care at home. Preparing your home environment to be as sterile as possible is also crucial to reduce the risk of infections.

Life at Home with a Preemie

Limiting visitors and avoiding overstimulation is crucial in the initial weeks or months after bringing your baby home. Special care is often required to monitor the baby's development, especially when compared to full-term babies. Regular pediatrician visits and possibly visits to specialists will be a part of your routine.

Having a premature baby can be a long-term challenging experience, but parents can navigate this journey more confidently with the correct information and medical support. Being well-informed can help you provide the best care for your premature baby. This guide aims to be a comprehensive resource for parents facing the challenges and joys of having a premature baby.

Author: Mahir Ozden, Textile Engineer (PhD)