About this topic
Pregnancy most often lasts 40 weeks. Babies who are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are called preemies. If your doctor thinks you may deliver early, you may be given a drug called steroids. This may help the babys lungs mature faster. ‚
When a baby is born early, the baby may not be ready to live outside the womb. The organs may not be fully developed. A baby who is born early will need extra care. It may take a few weeks before the baby is allowed to go home. ‚
The earlier a baby is born, the more problems a baby may have. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Doctors do not always know why some babies are born early. Babies are at a higher risk if mom: ‚
- Is pregnant with more than one baby at a time
- Has had a prior baby born early
- Has an illness like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems
- Has an infection, especially a urinary tract infection
- Uses alcohol, illegal drugs, or smokes while pregnant
There is also a higher risk for the baby to be born early if there is a problem with the placenta or fluid around the baby. There may be an infection here or the fluids may break open too soon. ‚
What are the main signs?
Babies who are born early look a little different than babies who are born near their due date. A baby who is born early has: ‚
- Small size and the head seems large compared to the rest of the body
- Thin skin that you may be able to see through
- Fine hair over the body. There may be hair or there may be no hair if your baby is born very early.
- Low body temperature
- Problems breathing
- Problems eating. Your baby may not have a good suck and swallow reflex yet.
- Eyes may be fused shut before the 26th week of pregnancy
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will diagnose this problem based on the number of weeks into the pregnancy the baby is born. Your childs doctor will do a full exam of the baby. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will work to treat the problems your baby is having. Your baby may need care in a special nursery or in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Your baby may need to be moved to a different hospital to get this special care. ‚
Care to help your baby may include: ‚
- A closed bed called an incubator. This bed helps the baby stay warm. It also protects the baby from infections.
- Ventilator or breathing tube to help the baby breathe
- Monitors to watch the heart rate and breathing. Blood pressure and oxygen levels may also be watched.
- I.V. for fluids, nutrients, blood, and drugs
- Feeding tube if the baby is not able to take in enough milk or formula
- Special lights if your baby has jaundice
- Surgery may be needed for serious problems.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Babies who are born early may have many problems. Some of them may not show up right away. These may include: ‚
- Heart or breathing problems like pneumonia, lung damage, blood pressure problems, pauses in breathing
- Brain problems like bleeding or fluid on the brain
- Problems with infection
- Problems with feeding or the bowels
- Trouble seeing or hearing
- Problems with muscles and growth like cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or behavior problems
- Long-term health problems
- Teeth problems
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help the lungs mature
- Help with breathing
- Have the heart work better
- Fight or prevent an infection
- Help with blood flow
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- See your doctor regularly. Get proper care during pregnancy.
- Keep a healthy weight during pregnancy. Eat a healthy diet rich with veggies, fruit, protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Try to keep your stress level low during pregnancy.
- Light exercise can help keep you healthy while you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the best exercises for you.
- Ask your doctor if it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. Some problems will make it unsafe for you to have sex during your pregnancy.
- Call your doctor right away if you think you may have an infection.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/pregnancy-newborns/caring-for-newborns/infant-care/caring-for-your-premature-baby.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growing/preemies.html ‚
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/premature_indepth.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚