Premature babies: 9 must-know facts
Premature babies are born earlier than full-term babies. This presents difficulties for both the baby and the mother.
Tomorrow, 17 November, is World Prematurity Day – one of the most important days in the year to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally.
In celebration of the thousands of premature babies born every day who have beaten the odds, we highlight nine must-know facts about premature babies.
1. Premature babies are those born before 37 weeks
A full-term pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the chance of short- and long-term health complications.
2. Premature babies account for about 15% of all births
In South Africa, one in seven babies are born prematurely, according to North West University (NWU).
3. The cause of premature birth is often unknown
While certain risk factors increase the likelihood of premature birth, the cause is often unknown. Experts simply do not understand why healthy women with no known health problems sometimes give birth prematurely.
4. The majority of premature babies are cared for in the NICU
If you have a premature baby, they will most likely be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They will be cared for around the clock by healthcare professionals who have been specially trained to help the tiniest of patients adjust to life outside the womb.
5. Preemies benefit from skin-to-skin contact
Kangaroo mother care entails holding your baby to your bare chest. Skin-to-skin contact allows your child to relax and breathe more easily. It is an effective method of stabilising low birth weight newborns and may allow your baby to leave the NICU sooner. Snuggle power, indeed.
6. Premature babies are more likely to face difficulties
Preemies miss out on critical weeks in the womb, which can impact their development. They are more likely to have breathing, feeding, developmental, and vision and hearing problems.
7. Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five
The later a premature baby is born, the better their chances of survival and leading a healthy life. Most babies born after 26 weeks survive, and those born after 32 weeks have a lower risk of long-term health problems due to prematurity.
8. Tiny babies can grow up to do incredible things
Premature babies face challenges but can achieve far more than simply catching up with their peers. Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Pablo Picasso, Isaac Newton, and Stevie Wonder are all famous former preemies.
9. Proper nutrition can help with catch-up growth
Breast milk contains essential nutrients for your baby’s development. If you cannot express milk or your child requires additional nutrition, consult your doctor about supplementing with a preemie formula.
