"Counting 6 and 7 to 8 months? Oh no! My baby is premature, what happens now!?"
Premature
birth is a problem that most parents face today. Some say that it is
caused by unhealthy lifestyle, parent's genetic make up, and so on and
so forth.
Premature babies are unable to eat through their mouths,
breath with ease, or even stay warm on their own. Their small bodies
are simply not fully developed and grown to function right. However,
some babies who are placed in an incubator may have a greater chance of a
normal life - some.
When babies are born too much early this can
cause premature baby health problems, which can range from mild to
life-threatening medical conditions. It is a sad fact, but sometimes it
does happen.
What is Premature Birth?
Medically speaking,
preterm birth means that a baby is born less than 37 weeks (less than 8
months) gestational age. Premature birth is a term used which pertains
to the physiological state of a newborn baby, and that it indicates that
the baby still needs certain medical support that will aid in the
further development of their organs.
In general, "preterm babies"
are referred to as "premature" and "term babies" are referred to as
"mature". Normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. Those born 3 weeks
earlier or more are considered premature. A lot of premature babies who
were born closer to 37 weeks are less problematic.
Premature
babies born at about 32 weeks are unable to eat, breathe, and stay warm
without external help. Once they get all the medical support they need
within a period of time most of them can leave the hospital and live a
normal life.
Premature babies born at about 26 weeks are more
likely to have critical health problems. If a baby is born small or
sickly, parents may be face with a very hard life and death decisions
about their treatments.
Medical practitioners oftentimes refer to premature babies as "preemies"
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Premature Births?
The signs and symptoms of an impending premature birth are:
1. More than four uterine contractions every hour, before the 37 weeks gestation.
2. Vaginal water discharge, which might suggest that the membranes around the baby had prematurely ruptured.
3. A feeling that the baby "dropped", or pressures around the area of the pelvis.
4. Abdominal pains or menstrual like cramps.
5. Rhythmic tightening or pain at the lower back or abdomen.
6. Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
What are the Causes of Premature Births?
There are many causes of premature births. Some are due the mother's condition, or due to the fetus' condition.
Mother's Health Condition:
1. Chronic illness
2. Trauma
3. Substance abuse
4. Infections
5. Hypertension
Complications of the Placenta or the Uterus:
1. Detachment or malformation of the placenta.
2. Malformation of the uterus.
3. Pressures in the uterus due to excessive amniotic fluid production, which causes early contractions.
4. Early opening of the cervix.
Fetal Causes:
1. Abnormalities in the chromosomal make-up.
2. Fetal malformation
3. Infections
What are the Treatments for Premature Babies?
Caring
for premature babies varies depending on the baby's age, weight, and
maturity. For extremely premature babies medical support should include:
1. Placing the baby in an incubator.
2. Surfactant administration to aid their lungs to breathe on their own volition.
3. Insertion of a breathing tube in the baby's trachea. Ventilator and supplemental oxygen might also be used.
4. Sufficient nutrition should be given through a feeding tube or intravenously. For feeding tube, the mother's breast milk should be used to avoid infections.
What are the Preventions for Premature Births?
A
healthy lifestyle is an important factor in preventing premature birth.
Here are some preventive measures that a mother can do on their own or
with help:
1. Regular prenatal check-up.
2. Eating healthy foods.
3. Monitor chronic medical conditions.
4. Diligently follow the doctor's advice with regards to physical activities.
5. Avoid certain substances.
6. Consult a doctor about sex activities.
7. Have a stress free routine.
Premature birth is very scary
and stressful for parents. But don't scream "My Baby is Premature!" at
the top of your lungs - it would not help. What would help is for
parents to take good care of each other in this time of crisis. Talk to
your families, friends, counselors, and doctors for help and advice. You
do not have to face this alone.
This article is from WWW.BABY-LINE.COM
[http://WWW.BABY-LINE.COM:], a website relating to pregnancy and
baby/child-raising issues for both mothers and fathers alike. Please
visit [http://WWW.BABY-LINE.COM] for more articles.
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