Learn More About Premature NewbornsPremature newborns, would be babies born before their full maturity dates. It's usual knowledge that human maternity lasts nine months. But that digit is actually just an average. Although the official figure is pegged at 266 days, it's still widely accepted that a normal gestation might be anywhere from 1-2 weeks less or more than that. Among the reasons is that it's difficult in most cases to know the exact day on which conception occurred. Therefore, the number of days until birth is usually calculated using the last menstrual period. An equally important reason is simply the fact of individual variation. It's perfectly normal and healthy for a gestation to last 260 days or 270. But when that distance from the average grows greater, the potential for certain problems increases. Particularly, a birth that takes place three weeks or more prior to the complete gestation period represents increasing risk of developmental problems for the newborn. The newest survival birth on record for premature newborns is approximately 21 weeks. But even 24-26 weeks carries with it significant likelihood of problems. These encompass an underdeveloped brain and nervous system, poor lung development and others. These all may result in difficulties instantly after birth and later in life. Many consequences may be as serious as mental retardation. Others are much more controllable, such as lower surfactant in the lung tissue, which can lead to Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The previous requires lifelong care for the child. The latter, thanks to modern medicine, can often be compensated for by a simple treatment. Some of these (and a lot other) issues are, naturally, heavily dependent on just how premature the newborn is. In that respect are individual factors also. Some babies who are 3-4 weeks early may do just fine with normal neonatal care. Others will require more far-reaching assistance and longest term professional treatment. As regards premature newborns , there are a lot things that parents can do to help them during those early, sometimes trying weeks and months. Prevention is the first line of defense. To any level conceivable, and consistent with the wellness of mother and child, premature birth can be deferred. 'Whatever possible' is getting better and better as medical practice improves. Everything from a better diet to brought down stress and total bed rest to courses of glucocorticoids to hasten development of the fetus are possible. Advance treatment in the hospital is often very high caliber. Premature babies may have a breathing tube, heart and blood pressure monitors, careful temperature control, frequent in-person visits from nurses and other care to ensure their well-being. When babies can breath normally on their own, regulate and maintain a stable temperature, breastfeed or bottle feed normally, and increase weight steadily they'll be ready to go home. Caring for certain neurologic disorders such as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) that may result from premature birth are outside the scope of this article. Seek professional advice on premature newborns. But there are less serious conditions that can be dealt with by parents, with advice from the obstetrician. Infections are more common in 'preemies', owing in part to their even more immature immune system than that of the usual newborn. But extra care to avoid disease causing organisms takes only vigilance. Dietary supplements that help boost the immune system can be safe and effective, if provided under professional care. Too many are just placebos and some are potentially harmful. The literature is vast and regrettably there are unfounded claims made sometimes. Apnea - episodes of stopped breathing, especially during sleep - can occur. Extra vigilance can be provided for by a baby sound-and-video monitoring system. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes due to improper liver function or bile duct blockage, is easy to spot in premature newborns . It results from a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Usually it's harmless. Special lights are available to help treat the condition. Exposure to sunlight can help, but it carries risks. Again, when in doubt, call your doctor. Parents can help themselves and their child by getting rest and getting educated. Establish a milk supply. Get assistance from friends and family members for those first critical weeks or months. Keep careful records of the baby's progress. Try to keep the stress level down as much as possible. Nowadays, except in the most extreme cases, premature birth is much less a problem than in generations past. Many highly accomplished individuals (such as Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein) were premature newborns . Some say they never stop overcompensating!
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