PREMATURE BABY CARE

Premature Baby Care in Jumeirah, Dubai

Babies born before the 37th week of gestation are considered premature and are sometimes referred to as “preemies”. Mothers whose babies are born prematurely are often scared and nervous. Premature newborns have an increased risk of complications.

The risks increase the earlier the child is born.  Any complications of a premature newborn or a baby born before the 37th week will be addressed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The following is a brief description of what to expect in caring for a newborn preemie.

Why Do Premature Newborns Need Special Care?

Premature babies are not fully equipped to deal with life in our world.  Their little bodies still have underdeveloped parts that include the lungs, digestive system, immune system and skin. Thankfully, medical technology has made it possible for preemies to survive the first few days, weeks or months of life until they are strong enough to make it on their own.

Complications

Complications in premature baby development are either short-term or long-term complications.

Short term complications
The first week’s complications for a baby born before the 37th week include:
Problems with breathing. Immaturity of the breathing system affects the child’s breathing. Surfactant is a factor in the alveoli that keeps the alveoli patent allowing gaseous exchange. Respiratory distress syndrome is a condition resulting from the lack of surfactant. Premature babies experience apnea which is the pause in breathing.
Heart problems. Hypotension and patent ductus arteriosus results from premature birth. An opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery allows the mixing of deoxygenated and oxygenated blood creating heart murmurs.
Brain problems. Premature babies often have intraventricular hemorrhage which can create a permanent brain injury.
Temperature issues. Premature babies have immature temperature control areas and the fat in their body is reduced.
Gastrointestinal issues. Necrotizing enterocolitis results after the immature digestive system is subjected to food. It is a serious condition which may sometimes require surgery.
Blood issues. The child is exposed to anaemia and jaundice. Jaundice results from the breakdown of foetal haemoglobin.
Metabolism issues. Often premature babies have hypoglycaemia due to the issues with glucose metabolism.
Immune system problems. Their immune system is underdeveloped hence the increased risk of developing infections.

Long term complications
Cerebral palsy. Movement disorder that occurs later due to reduced blood supply to the brain causing permanent brain damage.
Impaired learning. Premature babies attain their milestones slowly as compared to grown babies.
Vision problems. Retinopathy of prematurity occurs due to nerve sensitive areas in the retina being exposed to light.
Hearing problems. Hearing loss is often in premature babies.
Dental problems. Tooth eruption for premature babies is delayed.
Chronic health issues. Children are exposed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Treatment for Premature Baby Development

Premature Infant care is crucial during these stages of a newborn. Here are some of the important measures that need to be considered during this period.

• Being in an incubator
• Monitoring the baby’s vital signs
• Placing in a feeding tube
• Replenishing fluids
• Bilirubin lights when the baby has jaundice
• Blood transfusion

Medication during Premature Baby Care

Surfactant therapy
Fine mist meds to help with breathing
Antibiotics
Diuretics

We offer the most comprehensive premature baby care at our Clinic in Jumeirah, Dubai. Get in touch with our expert pediatricians today!