When a baby is born prematurely, their body systems are immature. And they face many health problems because they are exposed to things they are not exposed to while in the womb. Prematurity is a broad spectrum. However, babies born before 37 weeks are considered as premature babies. Premature babies face many health problems and parents should be more aware of it. What are those health issues? Here we provide you with information about some of the common health problems that premature babies face. Here we go;Â
Common health issues premature babies may face
Infants born before 37 weeks are called premature babies. These premature babies may face several health issues due to their early growth. The severity of these health issues depends on how premature the infant is. Let’s focus here on some common health problems premature babies may have.
Breathing support
Lung problems can be identified as the most common health problem seen in premature babies. The lungs of babies born before 30 weeks are not ready to breathe independently. Therefore, babies should be made comfortable to breathe. Doctors put a tube down the throat and into the airway. It supports full breathing. This is called intubation.Â
The other method is to use a CPAP device that offers continuous positive airway pressure. These devices will not go down the throat. However, it remains on the nose. Doctors have been trying to use such devices for babies since the beginning. The reason for this is because they cause minimal damage to the lungs.Â
Some premature babies may develop chronic lung disease. It is called bronchopulmonary (BPD). And 16 percent still require oxygen. These babies are prone to respiratory infections and bronchiolitis. Lung disease takes time to heal.Â
Apnea of prematurity involves pauses in breathing.Â
Feeding issues
Premature babies have very slow-moving guts. They are prone to vomiting. Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a common disease in premature babies. The disease is necrotizing enterocolitis where the thin bowel of a preemie begins to break down. Then bacteria cross it. Likewise, it causes the death of an infant or the removal of part of the bowel. Doctors treat them by feeding them minimal amounts every few hours to stimulate their bowel movements. Breastfeeding also reduces the risks of NCE.Â
Eye problems
Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition. It will affect the development of the blood vessels (Retina). Premature babies, especially those being born before 31 weeks weighing less than 1250 grams or receiving too much oxygen for a long time, both cause this condition. Most develop a mild form of the disease, which progresses later. Then, preemies may need glasses. It may be due to a milder type of ROP or premature infants are at increased risk of refractive error. It causes farsightedness and nearsightedness.Â
Ophthalmologists will examine your baby for eye diseases. However, it will make your baby uncomfortable. If the condition is more advanced, laser surgery-type treatment with special facilities is recommended. In addition, there are injectable treatments. If the baby’s condition is severe and untreated, the retina may detach and lead to blindness.Â
Infections
Premature babies may face a higher risk of getting infections due to their immature immune systems. Infections can occur from long-term IV lines or even contact with an adult with a cold. Infections in babies can be quite serious. Hence, immediate treatments should be taken to prevent them. When visiting the babies in the premature unit, the parents are carefully checked and sent to the child. Likewise, doctors and nurses practice good hand hygiene, keep medical instruments sterilized, and encourage staff who are sick to stay at home. Also, if your baby has a bacterial infection, it will be treated with antibiotics.Â
Brain injury
Babies born before 32 weeks have a risk of brain hemorrhage. It is also known as cerebral hemorrhage. However, the risk gradually decreases with each week that the baby is in the womb. Doctors use ultrasound tests in different areas of the brain to check if there is bleeding in the brains of babies. Bleeding in the brain can vary from mild to severe. Some babies have no long-lasting effects.Â
Intraventricular hemorrhage – Bleeding in the brain is a risk. Bleeding in the brain, especially in premature babies can cause brain damage.
The periventricular hemorrhage causes long-term neurological damage. Likewise, it involves the death of brain tissue around the ventricles.Â
The time the babies are in the premature unit is stressful for the parents. Babies also become stressed due to exposure to pain. Hence, doctors say positive stimuli like parental touch, parental voices, and skin-to-skin time can enhance your baby’s long-term outcomes.Â
Heart problems
Patent Ductus Arteriosus – This condition is often seen in premature babies. An open blood vessel is seen that closes after birth. However, if it remains open, it causes heart failure.Â
Hearing problems
Hearing loss – They are at higher risk for hearing impairment which may necessitate early interventions.Â
Jaundice
Hyperbilirubinemia – Premature babies may develop jaundice due to an immature liver. Due to high bilirubin levels in the blood, the skin and eyes turn yellow.Â
Development delays
Premature infants may experience delays in reaching developmental milestones, including physical, cognitive, and emotional development.Â
Anemia
Low red blood cell count – Due to their rapid growth and the inability to produce sufficient red blood cells premature babies may develop anemia.Â
Temperature regulationÂ
Hypothermia – premature babies struggle to maintain their body temperature. Why? They lack body fat and immature skin, requiring special care to keep them warm.Â
ConclusionÂ
Babies who are born prematurely from pregnancy often face health problems. They face several common problems such as respiratory problems, feeding issues, eye problems, infections, brain damage, etc. Besides, they will face some issues like anemia, hearing problems, development delays, temperature regulation, jaundice, etc. Therefore, premature babies are kept in the premature unit after birth and treated by doctors. Here we have presented information about some common health problems faced by premature babies. If you want to get more information about it, see the doctor.Â