Care For Premature Babies

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Babies are the most beautiful gifts from nature and with the arrival of a baby the family as well as everybody in the surrounding feels great joy and happiness. A normal pregnancy lasts for about thirty seven weeks which is the gestation period after which a baby is delivered.

But due to certain complications in pregnancy or the presence of a fibroid or misshaped uterus there may be chances of the delivery of a premature baby which is delivered before completion of the gestation period.

Premature babies are prone to several problems as they are delivered before the completion of term. Premature babies born before twenty four weeks may have less chances of survival. Yet premature babies survive to a great extent with proper care and good support system.

Premature babies may suffer from respiratory problems, may not be able to breast feed, may be susceptible to infections and jaundice, congenital problems etc. Usually premature babies are tended in the incubator or intensive care unit after birth.

The premature babies are under constant observation and may need artificial respiratory and other supports. The doctors discharge the premature baby from medical care only after being confirmed about the baby’s physiological safety. Unless the baby becomes more or less well equipped to breathe by himself / herself and gains considerable weight it is not recommended to discharge the premature baby from medical care.

Once the premature baby reaches home he / she may be in a safer situation than before yet will need constant care and frequent supervision by pediatricians. One has to carefully follow the treatment plan and daily care routine prescribed by the pediatrician.

Depending on how much prematurely the baby was born they have to be given the special care until they reach their due date or sometimes till after the due date is reached. Premature babies may have to be fed through a tube for a certain time; the mother can also pump out her breast milk for the baby to feed in case he or she cannot suck the breast.

Parents and other care givers can also take special training to tend to premature babies. Premature babies are highly vulnerable to infections therefore a separate sterilized room must be arranged for them where only the caregivers should enter after properly disinfecting themselves. Premature babies shouldn’t be taken out unless for visits to the doctor.