Prematurity, or being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is a common issue among newborns. In fact, approximately 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While some premature babies are only underdeveloped for a short period of time, others may face long-term complications that can affect their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Additionally, premature birth can have numerous impacts on parents and family members as well. In this article, we’ll explore the effects of prematurity on infants and families in greater depth.

Potential Long-Term Complications

Prematurity can lead to a range of long-term complications, depending on how premature a baby is and the severity of their condition. Some potential complications include:.

Developmental Delays

The earlier a baby is born, the more likely they are to experience developmental delays. This may include delays in physical development, such as reaching milestones like sitting up, crawling, or walking.

It may also include cognitive delays, such as a slower rate of learning or difficulty with critical thinking skills.

Respiratory Issues

Prematurity can also cause respiratory issues, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Babies with BPD may require oxygen therapy or a ventilator to breathe properly.

This can make it harder for them to go home and may make them more susceptible to respiratory infections even after they leave the hospital.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Severe prematurity can also lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a condition where the tissues in the intestines become inflamed and can start to die off.

This can be a life-threatening condition that may require surgery to treat.

Developmental Disabilities

In some cases, prematurity can lead to long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy, which is a neurological condition that affects muscle control and movement.

Premature babies may also be at risk for autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other conditions that can impact their day-to-day functioning.

Vision and Hearing Impairments

Finally, prematurity can also cause vision and hearing impairments. For example, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition where the blood vessels in the retina don’t grow properly. This can lead to vision problems or even blindness.

Similarly, premature babies are at a higher risk for hearing loss, which can affect their ability to communicate and interact with others.

Short-Term Complications

In addition to potential long-term complications, premature infants can also experience a range of short-term complications. These may include:.

Low Birth Weight

Many premature babies are born with a low birth weight, which can place them at risk for a variety of health problems, including breathing difficulties, and trouble regulating their body temperature.

They may also require additional medical monitoring and intervention, such as intravenous fluids or feeding tubes.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a common condition among newborns, including premature babies. It causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

While mild cases of jaundice typically resolve on their own, more severe cases may require phototherapy or other medical interventions.

Infections

Because premature babies have underdeveloped immune systems, they are more susceptible to infections. This can include infections of the blood, lungs, or other organs.

Feeding Difficulties

Many premature babies have difficulty feeding, either because they are not yet able to coordinate the muscles involved in sucking and swallowing, or because they have gastrointestinal issues.

This may require them to be fed through a tube until they are better able to eat on their own.

The Emotional Toll of Prematurity on Families

It’s not just the infants themselves who are affected by prematurity. Parents and other family members may also experience a range of emotional challenges, including:.

Guilt or Blame

Parents of premature infants may experience feelings of guilt or blame, even when there is nothing they could have done to prevent their baby’s early arrival.

This can be especially challenging if the infant is experiencing medical complications or is not meeting developmental milestones.

Anxiety and Stress

Parents may also experience significant anxiety and stress related to their baby’s health and well-being.

They may be worried about whether their infant will survive, whether they will experience long-term complications, and what their future will look like.

Mental Health Challenges

The emotional toll of prematurity can also lead to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Parents may benefit from seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in perinatal mental health.

Financial Strain

Premature birth can also put a significant strain on a family’s finances. Medical expenses related to prematurity can be substantial, and parents may need to take time off from work to care for their infant, which can impact their income.

Conclusion

Prematurity is a common issue that can have a range of impacts on both newborns and their families.

By understanding the potential long-term and short-term complications of prematurity and the emotional toll it can take on parents and family members, we can better identify ways to provide support and resources to those affected by this challenging experience.