A child is always safe under mom’s shade whether it is her womb or her warmth for a grown-up child. What a creation of God it is?? A natural and well protected shield for a child. Since the time the news of pregnancy comes; a woman starts protecting her unborn baby. The babies who are born before the completion of a term that is before 37 weeks of pregnancy are termed as PREMATURE BABIES. According to a survey, around 15 Million delivery across the globe results in premature birth. The child is safer inside mom’s womb. It is not necessary that every premature delivery lead to complication in child’s health. But problem can be short-term or long-term. With advancement in medical facilities and better care and support system in neonatal care; a better life can be given to a premature child across the globe. But few early complications at the time of premature birth are listed below:
- JAUNDICE IN PREMATURE BABIES: Most of new born babies have jaundice at time of birth but it is very common in premature birth. Liver can’t function properly and get rid of bilirubin and this gets added in tissues causing body and eyes colour to be yellow. When the bilirubin rises above 15-20 mg/dL, it is an alarming sign. Child is given phototherapy in caser of rising levels. Once the baby is more accessible to the mother’s milk, he gets more immune to fight jaundice.
- INFECTIONS: A preterm baby is more vulnerable to any form of infection. He/ She is more prone to infections in air, normal cold cough and viral infections. The immune system of preterm baby is less developed than a baby born after completing term. The neonatal staff should be more proactive for preterm kids. Some of the common symptoms maybe:
- Changing body temperature
- Lack of activity
- Difficultly in feeding
- Breathing problems.
- KIDNEY PROBLEMS: Kidney develops and get matures after birth, but they can have problem in excreting during first week of premature birth. The neonatal staff should maintain records of urine, proteins and creatinine.
- BREATHING PROBLEMS: Breathing problems exist in premature babies are lungs are not fully developed. Lack of surfactant in lungs result in difficulty in expanding and contracting of lungs. Babies who do not have surfactant are put on ventilator support. At times they catch more infections from there. These problems can sometimes be seen in future too.
- HEART PROBLEMS: Premature babies sometimes develop patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and low blood pressure (hypotension). The ductus remain open in case of premature babies otherwise which should be closed in term babies. It causes extra blood to be pumped in lungs. This leads to accumulation of fluid in lungs.
Extra care to be taken for premature babies. All hospitals to be equipped with full fledge neonatal care. Parents not to lose hope for premature babies. A healthy baby is the God’s best gift.
Written by Mrs. Ruchi Mehta
Health Blogger
