Premature Baby and Preterm Delivery
June 3, 2009
Compared to a baby born after 40 weeks gestation, the pace of development is slow in a premature baby. An infant born before 37 weeks gestation is known as a premature baby. According to studies, nearly 8 percent of all deliveries are preterm deliveries.
Approximately 75 percent of infants born after premature delivery are stillborn, or they die within the first week. Even the best neonatal treatments cannot prevent physical and psychological problems in 10 percent of premature babies.
Causes of Preterm Delivery
Risk of preterm delivery is high among women suffering from uterus or cervix infection, and women with a history of miscarriage. Women suffering from heart and kidney ailments and diabetes are susceptible to preterm delivery. Incidence of giving birth to immature infants is highest among women coming from low socio economic background. Lack of proper nutrition, poor prenatal care, and alcohol and drug abuse, becoming mother during adolescence increases the risk of giving birth to premature babies. Untreated urinary tract infection, amniotic membrane infection, premature rupture of placenta previa, high level of alpha-fetoprotein during the second trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery.
Symptoms of Premature Birth
A premature infant is born with low birth weight. The infant is born with body hairs. Female infants have big clitoris. Male babies will have small and smooth scrotum, without any ridge. The child will have respiratory problems, commonly known as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. The ear cartilage will be soft and flexible. The skin will be so transparent, that you can see the veins underneath it. The baby will have poor feeding habit and will exhibit weak crying pattern.
Treatment
A premature infant needs extreme care in the neonatal intensive care unit of hospitals. According to a study conducted by researchers of the University of Alberta, Canada, music can reduce the pain experienced by premature infants. Music might also help to make a speedy change in the feeding habit of the infants, helping them quickly to feed with the mouth.
Unfortunately, not much can be done to prevent preterm delivery. To reduce the risk of giving birth to premature children, you should be cautious of your physical health before deciding to conceive.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.