Premature Child
What is a premature child?
Most pregnancies last for 40 weeks. A child born before the 37th week is known as a premature or preterm child. Thanks to medical advancements, more than 9 out of 10 premature children survive, and most of them develop normally.
Very premature infants are at a higher risk of developmental problems. Babies born at 23 to 24 weeks can survive, but it is risky.
Most children born before 32 weeks and babies weighing 2.5 kg or less may need help with breathing and may stay in the neonatal intensive care unit until they develop enough to survive on their own. Infants born between 32 and 37 weeks may require care in a premature unit.
Why are children born prematurely?
The cause of premature birth is unknown in about half of all cases. However, some reasons for premature birth include:
- Cervical problems, when the cervix is too weak to support the baby's weight and begins to open prematurely (known as cervical insufficiency).
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or more).
- The mother has a condition that necessitates early delivery
- such as placental insufficiency, placenta previa, placental abruption, or premature rupture of membranes.
- Premature rupture of the fetal membranes when the amniotic sac spontaneously ruptures.
- The mother has a condition such as diabetes.
- Previous premature births.
If you are pregnant for less than 37 weeks and have any signs of premature birth, such as contractions, amniotic fluid leakage, bleeding, mucus discharge from the vagina, or sudden decrease in your baby's movement, see a doctor. Labor can be slowed down or stopped. Every day the baby remains in your womb increases their chances of survival.
What can I do as a pregnant woman to reduce the risk of premature birth?
You are pregnant and sometimes worried that your little miracle may be born too early? In many cases, you cannot control when your little one arrives early. However, certain behaviors can have a positive impact on your pregnancy:
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol.
- Try to minimize stress as much as possible.
- Take enough breaks to rest.
- Schedule a dental check-up.
- Have regular check-ups and check your urine for infections.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid foods that pose a risk of infection, such as raw meat and fish products, unpasteurized milk, and raw eggs.
How do premature births occur?
In principle, premature children can be delivered both naturally and by cesarean section. For very small premature infants, cesarean section is often the preferred method. This type of delivery is considered gentler for deeply premature infants. Cesarean section is also performed in emergencies when the baby needs to be quickly delivered.
In Switzerland, childbirth childbirth involves the delivery of premature children and their best start in life, as well as ongoing care and therapy.
Long-term development of premature children
How will my child develop? Will they have motor or cognitive impairments? Can they lead a completely normal life? The future is a concern for most parents of premature children. It is difficult to provide a definite prognosis, as each premature child is unique. However, most premature children develop into healthy children and adults. In particular, late preterm infants quickly catch up with other children. In the case of very early premature births, little fighters usually need a little more time to catch up. But thanks to constant progress in medicine, more and more people born extremely early can live virtually without limitations.
Corrected age is used to assess the development of premature children in the first years of life. Since predictions are complex, premature children should be regularly examined by a pediatrician. This way, any developmental delays can be quickly identified and, if necessary, treated.
What are the long-term consequences of premature birth? On average, premature children are more prone to illness and have a slightly weaker immune system. Some of the most serious long-term problems include lung diseases, spasticity, and blindness. Fortunately, these cases are rare. More commonly, there are mild motor impairments, sometimes a slightly lower intelligence quotient, and a tendency to have learning problems. However, targeted funding can have a positive impact on development.nt progress in medicine, more and more people born extremely early can live virtually without limitations.