Baby.mobi
If your baby has been born too early, the miracle and wonder of their birth might be overshadowed by your concerns for their health – and the possibility of the long-term effects of prematurity. But do not despair – there is much you can do to take care of your premature baby, called a preemie.
All babies born before the 37th week are referred to as premature. Premature birth occurs between 8% and 10% of all pregnancies. Because they are born too early, these babies weigh much less than full-term babies and may have health problems because their organs have not had enough time to develop.
The majority of preemies need special medical care and spend some time in a neo-natal intensive care unit (NNICU). The younger the baby is when it is born, the more potential complications can exist.
SPECIAL NEEDS
When your preemie is born, they have very little body fat. This means their ability to maintain body heat is compromised. In addition, their lungs may be under developed and they could have trouble breathing. They also cry very feebly or softly, and feeding them could be a further challenge.
A common complication is jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and is a result of a very high level of bilirubin in the blood, and treatment often involves phototherapy (treatment with very bright lights). Your baby will be placed in a warm, covered cot with eye shields over their eyes. They will probably be nursed naked so that the maximum amount of light be allowed to fall onto their skin.
Other complications are low blood sugar; high or low blood pressure which can be a risk because their developing blood vessels cannot handle changes in blood pressure and may tear; anaemia, which is a lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues; and trouble feeding.
Eating is the most energy-consuming process for a newborn. Preemies often don’t have the strength or energy to feed on their own and are fed through an intravenous line or nasogastric tube that goes directly into the stomach.
More serious complications include infection and episodes where the baby stops breathing (apnoea). A preemie’s skin and mucous membranes – the primary lines of defence against bacteria and viruses – are not developed enough and infections in the NNICU are common.
Apnoea occurs because the part of the central nervous system that control breathing is not mature enough to allow non-stop breathing. This causes large bursts of breath, followed by periods of shallow breathing – or no breathing.
Another common, but serious immediate breathing problem is called respiratory distress syndrome. The baby’s immature lungs do not produce enough surfactant – a substance that allows the inner surface of the lungs to expand properly. Fortunately it is easily treatable and babies do well after treatment.
The most important lesson you can learn is that while your preemie is in the NNICU they are getting the BEST possible treatment. Spend time with your baby. Touch them often. Read to them, and when possible, cradle them in your arms. Love them and bond with them. They will respond to you and be soothed by your presence.
LEAVING THE HOSPITAL
With premature babies, it is a good idea to make an appointment for your baby’s first check-up before you leave the hospital. Also ask about any special care that you might have to give your baby. Speak to the healthcare worker about infant cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a combination of rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) and chest compressions.
Once at home, if you are worried about whether you should go to the clinic or not because your baby is ill – trust your instincts! Be especially aware of:-
> A high temperature (higher than 38 C)
> Symptoms of dehydration – crying without tears, sunken eyes, a depression in the soft spot on the baby’s head, no wet nappies for six hours or more
> A soft spot that bulges when the baby is quiet and upright
> Rapid or laboured breathing
> Repeated forceful vomiting and an inability to keep fluids down
> Bloody vomit or stool
> More than eight diarrhoea nappies in eight hours
