Preterm (Premature) Newborn

Preterm (Premature) newborn: All you need to know

About

Preterm newborn is defined as the baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Around 15 million preterm babies are born each year. Out of which 60% of preterm births occur only in South Asia and Africa. (1)

- Is also called premature birth
- Indicates high risk in women with multiple pregnancies
- Results in life-long disability or other health complications
- Represents high risk in African American
- Reduces the chance in women with good health and if prenatal care is given

A premature newborn is known as preemies or premises. Causes include chronic medical illness (kidney/heart disease, diabetes, and high BP), infections (vaginal infection, urinary tract infection, and amniotic membrane), previous preterm birth, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol, poor nutrition before and during pregnancy, abnormal uterus, cervical incompetence, and multiple gestations.

Symptoms:

Small size of newborn, low weight (less than 2500 grams), and breathing problems

Newborn may experience
Respiratory problems
Difficulty feeding
Low body fat
Thin, pale, or yellow skin
Small and underdeveloped genitals
Lots of soft body hair

Treatment

Self-Care: Controlling chronic illness, proper nutrition, and eliminating smoking and alcohol, and a regular checkup by a doctor

Requires hospital care that includes Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), incubators, ventilators, temperature-controlled beds, X-rays (for diagnosis), intravenous (IV) fluids, and medication

Medications: Corticosteroids and betamethasone only after prescribed by a doctor

Specialists: Consulting a doctor is important. At mfine, you get all the necessary advice and help related to your health issues. Visit mfine today and get the best consultation.