Premature babies are babies who are born before the 37th week of pregnancy. These babies are not fully developed, and so they tend to face a lot of challenges.

These challenges can be both physical and emotional, and they can affect the baby’s health and well-being if they are not addressed in time. Some of the common problems faced by premature babies every day are:.

Respiratory Problems

Respiratory problems are very common in premature babies. Their lungs are not fully developed, and they may have difficulty breathing.

This can lead to a condition called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) where the baby has difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and low oxygen levels. Babies with RDS may need oxygen therapy or a ventilator to help them breathe.

Sometimes, the baby may also develop a condition called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which is a chronic lung disease that can affect the baby’s breathing and growth in the long-term.

Feeding Problems

Premature babies may have difficulty feeding and may not be able to suck or swallow properly. This can lead to poor weight gain and malnutrition.

Sometimes, the baby may need to be fed through a tube until they are strong enough to breastfeed or bottle-feed. The baby may also need to be fed more frequently than a full-term baby to ensure they get enough nutrients.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition where the baby’s skin and eyes become yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. This is common in premature babies because their liver is not fully developed, and they may have difficulty processing bilirubin.

Mild jaundice does not require treatment, but severe jaundice can lead to brain damage and other complications. In severe cases, the baby may need phototherapy or an exchange transfusion to lower the bilirubin levels.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition where the baby has a low red blood cell count. This can happen because the baby may not have received enough iron from the mother during pregnancy, or because of blood loss during birth.

Anemia can affect the baby’s growth and development and can make them more susceptible to infections. In severe cases, the baby may need a blood transfusion to increase their red blood cell count.

Heart Problems

Premature babies may have heart problems because their heart is not fully developed.

Some common heart problems that can occur in premature babies include patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery, remains open and does not close as it should after birth. Another common heart problem is ventricular septal defect (VSD), which is a hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart. Both of these conditions can cause breathing difficulties and may require surgery to correct.

Immature Immune System

Premature babies have an immature immune system, which makes them more vulnerable to infections. They are at a higher risk of developing infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

Infections can be life-threatening for premature babies and can lead to long-term complications. Premature babies may need to be monitored closely for signs of infection and may receive antibiotics as a precaution.

Apnea

Apnea is a condition where the baby stops breathing for a short period, usually for 20 seconds or more. Apnea is common in premature babies because their respiratory system is not fully developed.

Apnea can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels, which can be dangerous for the baby. In severe cases, the baby may need to be monitored using a cardiorespiratory monitor to detect episodes of apnea.

Hypothermia

Premature babies can lose heat quickly because they have less body fat and a larger surface area compared to full-term babies. Hypothermia can lead to a drop in body temperature, which can affect the baby’s growth and development.

Premature babies may need to be kept in a warm environment, usually in an incubator, until they are able to maintain their body temperature.

Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Premature babies are at a higher risk of SIDS compared to full-term babies.

The exact reason for this is not fully understood, but it may be because premature babies have an immature respiratory system, which makes them more vulnerable to breathing difficulties. Premature babies should be placed on their backs to sleep, on a firm and flat surface without pillows or soft toys.

Developmental Delay

Premature babies may experience developmental delays because their brain and nervous system are not fully developed at birth. Developmental delays can affect the baby’s ability to sit, crawl, walk, talk, and learn.

Premature babies may need early intervention services to address their developmental delays, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Conclusion

Premature babies face many challenges every day, both physical and emotional.

The common problems faced by premature babies include respiratory problems, feeding problems, jaundice, anemia, heart problems, an immature immune system, apnea, hypothermia, an increased risk of SIDS, and developmental delays. Early diagnosis and treatment of these problems can help improve the baby’s health and well-being in the long-term.