Premature Baby

 

When is said to be premature baby?
Most of the babies born within 40 weeks of gestation. Baby said to be mature if born between 37-42 weeks gestation. If the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation is said to be premature.
Are many babies are born prematurely?
The incidence of premature infants vary between states. In Malaysia, approximately 8% of babies born are preterm.
Why do babies born prematurely?
Causes of the incident is usually not known, but is sometimes followed by:
Mentuban initial burst which is caused by infection and membrane mentuban mentuban water.The birth of premature birth.Had experienced a premature birth.Content of more than one sample twin 2 or 3 and so on.Uterus and cervix are unusual.Content with complications, for example: high blood pressure during pregnancy and the placenta below.Lack of social support.Alcohol, dangerous drugs and smoking during pregnancy.Infection of the urinary tract.Congenital infection in the uterus.Natural defect from birth.How the appearance and behavior of preterm infants?
Premature babies are born small and premature nature and depend on gestational age.Premature babies usually weight between 500gm to 22 weeks gestation to 28 weeks and 1000gm 1500gm for 32 weeks and 2.5 kg for 37 weeks.Signs and symptoms depend on the complications.The possibility of suffering from symptoms of respiratory problems eg noisy breathing, fluffy flat nose, tight breathing, blue skin and body temperature are not stable.Should we be concerned if your baby is born prematurely?
Pre-maturity is associated with complications that may occur, the more premature the higher the risk for each complication. Early and intermediate complications include:
Syndrome due to a lack of breath is called the dispersion liquid in the lungs.Bleeding in the brain that involve blood vessels in the vicinity of the ventricles in the brain.Jaundice (yellowing of the skin color changes and the whites of the eyes due to the immature bilirubin metabolism).
Feeding difficulties and problems due to the premature gut.Infection in the blood (septicemia), lungs (pneumonia), the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord and decay intestines (Necrotising Enterocolitis).Immature retinal disease (Retinopathy of prematurity) - a state of growth of blood vessels in the eye that is not mature.
Lung disease as a result of chronic lung damage due to prematurity, use of oxygen and ventilation therapy.Blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs are not closed (Patent Ductus arteriosus), which can cause congestion in the respiratory or heart failure.Inguinal hernia which caused muscle weakness in the folding legs.Late complications:
Cerebral palsyBrain damageSeizures (epilepsy)BlindDeafInability to LearnSlow progressSlow ExpansionMortality rate is high despite intensive care, babies born between 26-28 weeks gestation has a death rate between 30% - 50%, while babies born before 26 weeks gestation has a mortality rate of 80-100%. More mature then the chances of a baby's life is high. Babies born more than 34 weeks gestation have a 90% chance of survival.
Are premature babies require special care?
Maintenance requirements depending on the nature and severity of a premature baby. General care is required for all premature infants:


Regulate body temperatureShould be treated in the incubator or under heating radians (as in picture).Examine the level of sugar in the bodyTo detect and treat blood sugar levels either high or low.Supply NutritionNearly mature infants above 35 weeks in a healthy condition which can often be breastfeeding exclusively. For more premature babies often need additional milk formula as early age.Avoid infectionHand washing is an important basic things before and after taking care of babies.Specific treatment depends on the baby and suffered complications. For example:
Ventilation and dispersion treatment therapy for respiratory problems.Close monitoring for infants who received oxygen therapy.Giving fluids and electrolytes for an unhealthy baby.Parenteral nutrition (nutrition may be given directly into the bloodstream) are given to infants who can not take milk through the intestines.Expressed breast milk or formula is usually given through a tube orogastrik to premature babies, which can receive an enteral milk.Antibiotics are given if there is suspected or identified infections.Ultrasound was performed on the brain to detect and treat bleeding in the brain or other abnormalities.Screening for diseases of the retina (ROP) eyes, laser treatment or therapy will be given to the baby crayo with serious eye problems.Infants with lung disease, chronic and can be treated at home, oxygen supply must be provided at home.Ethical Issues
Counseling and support to parents is important to assist parents in dealing with and understanding of their baby and explain the true position.Postpone and stop the intensive care should be taken into account for infants (gestational age).Infants in this group the opportunity to live well is tougher. The expected baby safe will also run the risk of neurological deficit. It is estimated that 20% of infants 25 weeks gestation in which a safe 80% will have neurological weaknesses in the system.Can a premature birth be prevented?
Preventive measures to avoid premature labor:
Pregnant women are not encouraged to take tobacco, drugs and alcohol.Pre-pregnancy care for pregnant women with chronic medical problems eg diabetes.Reduce the transfer of embryos to reduce multiple pregnancy in fertility techniques.Early and regular prenatal care can detect and treat early to prevent complications.Reduce the risk of complications for premature infants:
Corticosteroid use during pregnancy when premature labor expects to occur, the speed of lung maturity and reduce the risk of, RDS, IVH, NEC and infant mortality.The use of tocolytic used to delay the birth for a few days for steroid opportunity to respond before the birth happensManagement and optimal care in the delivery room and neonatal unit is very good for getting good results.Rehabilitation is an important aspect of treatment?
During the discharge advice should be given:
Need to continue any medications given, including vitamins and iron.Needed by the infant nutrition. Patience is required in feeding the preterm infant. They are often slow to suck milk. Breast milk is the best but if formula milk formula milk be premature to make sure the nutrients are given to meet the maximum level in premature infants.The routine immunization schedule for children.Avoid crowded places to prevent children from getting an infection such as cough or sneeze.Appointment for premature babies
To assess the growth and development.Treat complications.Some children will need:
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other therapies.Special education