Prematurity is a condition in which a baby is born before completing the full gestation period of 37 to 40 weeks.

Premature births happen due to various factors such as infections, substance abuse, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and in some cases, the cause may even be unknown. Premature births are not uncommon and affect approximately 10% of all births worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), preterm births are the leading cause of neonatal deaths, with complications from prematurity being responsible for 35% of under-five deaths. Apart from mortality, prematurity can also cause various health risks in the long run. In this article, we will discuss the role of prematurity in increasing health risks.

Neurological Disorders

It is not uncommon for premature babies to develop neurological disorders. The brain of a premature baby is still developing and is not yet fully equipped to handle the environment outside the mother’s womb.

As a result, preemies are susceptible to various neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, learning difficulties, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These disorders may last for the entire lifespan of the preemie, and some may not even appear until later in life.

Respiratory Issues

One of the most prevalent health risks associated with prematurity is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

RDS is a condition that occurs due to the insufficient production of surfactant, a substance that prevents the collapse of tiny air sacs in the lungs. Without surfactant, breathing becomes difficult, and the baby may require respiratory assistance such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.

RDS is not the only respiratory issue preemies may face; they are also susceptible to chronic lung disease, asthma, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Cardiovascular Diseases

Studies have shown that premature birth can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Preemies are exposed to various risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases with the degree of prematurity.

For instance, babies born before 28 weeks have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood when compared to babies born at full term.

Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are prevalent among preemies. Prematurity disrupts the natural flow of metabolic processes, leading to an increased risk of developing these disorders.

Studies have shown that preemies have a higher incidence of insulin resistance, which is a pre-diabetic state. They also have a higher risk of developing obesity, which is a significant risk factor for metabolic disorders. Metabolic disorders not only affect the health of the preemie but also increase the risk of developing other chronic diseases later in life.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Prematurity can also affect the digestive system of the baby. Preemies are susceptible to various gastrointestinal issues such as feeding intolerance, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

These issues can cause severe complications, and in some cases, may require surgical intervention. NEC, in particular, is a severe condition that affects the intestines of the baby and can cause significant damage, leading to developmental delays and even mental disability.

Hearing and Vision Impairments

Hearing and vision impairments are prevalent among preemies. Prematurity can cause various conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and sensorineural hearing loss.

ROP is a condition that affects the development of blood vessels in the retina, leading to visual impairment and even blindness. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the inner ear’s ability to transmit sound signals to the brain.

These impairments can have a significant impact on the preemie’s development and can even affect their social and emotional well-being in the long run.

Immune System Deficiencies

The immune system of a premature baby is not yet fully developed, making them susceptible to various infections. Preemies are vulnerable to infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

These infections can cause severe complications and require prolonged hospital stays. Preemies may also have long-term immune system deficiencies, making them susceptible to infections even after leaving the hospital.

Developmental Delays

Prematurity can affect the development of the baby significantly. Preemies may have developmental delays in various areas such as cognitive, motor, and communication.

These delays may be mild or severe and can affect the baby’s ability to perform daily tasks and interact with their environment. Early intervention and treatment can help reduce the impact of these delays and improve the preemie’s quality of life.

Psychological Issues

Prematurity can have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of the preemie and their parents. Preemies may experience psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

These issues may manifest later in life and can affect the preemie’s social and emotional development. Parents of preemies may also experience psychological issues such as guilt, grief, and anxiety.

Conclusion

Prematurity can have significant long-term health risks, affecting various aspects of the preemie’s development. The risks associated with prematurity affect not only the preemie but also their families, healthcare systems, and society as a whole.

Early detection and intervention can help minimize the impact of prematurity and improve the preemie’s quality of life.