Unborn babies develop throughout the term of a pregnancy. Organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and other tissues need 40 weeks of pregnancy to develop fully. When a baby arrives before the 37th week of pregnancy, it is considered a premature birth. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in 10 births is preterm. Although many preterm babies go on to live healthy lives, the risks of developing health complications are quite high.
Here are some of the health problems that may affect premature babies:
- Jaundice
Physiologic jaundice is very common among newborns, but this condition usually clears up on its own. It occurs when the underdeveloped liver struggles to break down red blood cells. The accumulation of bilirubin causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes. This substance is produced when red blood cells are broken down. As bilirubin spreads to other tissues, the baby’s skin takes the yellow tint. Although jaundice is not considered life-threatening, excess amounts of bilirubin can lead to brain damage. Any concentrations above 15mlg/dl are considered dangerous. If your child is dealing with jaundice, please speak to our Miami doctor about treatment options such as phototherapy.
- Kidney Problems
Fetal kidneys develop early and can be identified through ultrasound as early as 12 weeks into a pregnancy. However, when a baby is born earlier than 28 weeks, the kidneys are not fully matured. Immature kidneys have difficulties filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. Kidney development can be monitored throughout the pregnancy. This is why it’s always best to go to a reputable South Florida pediatrics Miami clinic for prenatal consultations. Ensure you deliver in a facility with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and staff to help monitor the infant. Treatments for kidney problems include fluid and salt restrictions. The baby is usually out of danger after a few days.
- Breathing Difficulties
An immature respiratory system in preterm babies can cause breathing difficulties. The most common problem is usually the absence of a surfactant. This liquid substance coats the interior of the lungs. Without it, the lungs can’t expand and contract normally. This condition increases the risk of the infant having respiratory distress syndrome. Ventilation support and oxygen therapy are the most common treatment options to address breathing problems. However, extended use of a ventilator can cause chronic lung complications. You can also explore alternative treatments such as inhaled and diuretic medications. Ask your Miami doctor about other treatments and which option is best.
- Heart Complications
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common heart complication for preterm babies. Before birth, the baby’s heart has an opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery for circulation. This opening is known as ductus arteriosus. However, after birth, the opening closes on its own. The persistent opening of this opening after birth is called PDA. Failure to close after birth can cause blood to flood the lungs. It may also lead to low blood pressure. If left untreated, a large opening can weaken the heart and cause heart failure. Treatment options include medications such as indomethacin and surgery.
- Infections
Babies are exposed to germs at all stages. An infection can occur in the womb, at the genital tract during delivery, or in the intensive care unit. Premature babies have a higher risk of contracting diseases for two reasons. First, preterm babies have underdeveloped immune systems due to fewer antibodies. This means the body is unable to fight off infections naturally. Conditions can quickly spread to the bloodstream and tissues, causing sepsis. Secondly, preterm babies usually need to undergo other procedures that require catheters and IVs. Bacteria, fungi, or bacteria can be introduced during these procedures. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids (IV).
- Brain Damage
Some premature babies are born with bleeding in the brain. This condition is known as intraventricular hemorrhage. Mild bleeding can be stopped without permanent damage to the brain. However, heavy bleeding leads to the accumulation of fluids in the brain. This buildup can cause permanent brain damage. It impairs the newborn’s motor and cognitive functions. Brain damage can lead to disorders such as cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. These babies develop and learn slower than full-term babies. Brain damage in premature babies can be treated by therapy, medication, or surgery.
- Hypothermia
The fetus stores fats while in the womb. These fats help provide insulation that’s vital after birth. A premature baby does not have adequate fat reserves when they are born. Consequently, they lose more body heat than their weak bodies can generate. As a result, their core body temperatures may drop below healthy levels. The condition is what is known as hypothermia. This temperature-control problem is why preterm babies are kept in warmers or incubators. As they grow, they will be able to control their body temperature.
- Gastrointestinal Problems
Premature babies born before 32 weeks often have an undeveloped digestive system. This can result in various gastrointestinal complications. A common problem is a condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in which the lining of the intestinal walls gets injured when the baby starts feeding. The risk of developing this complication reduces when the baby only feeds on breast milk. Some of the symptoms of NEC include green vomit, constipation, diarrhea, and bloody stools. X-ray scans should be done by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include temporarily stopping feeding, antibiotics for infection prevention, draining gases and fluids from the stomach, and surgery.
- Hypoglycemia
There are several processes that help the body sustain itself. During these processes, stored food is converted into energy for running cellular processes, building tissues, and eliminating waste. While in the womb, this is done by the placenta, which delivers nutrients to the fetus. After birth, oxygen and energy demands increase. Although the metabolic transition is initially sluggish in all babies, premature babies have problems converting stored glucose into energy. They also have less glucose storage than full-term babies. As a result, it can lead to very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Vision Impairment
Although a baby’s eyes begin to develop at 16 weeks, a lot of the growth happens in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This is a condition where the blood cells at the back of the eye (retina) swell. The swelling can scar the retina and even cause detachment. The pulling away of the retina from the back of the eye is known as retinal detachment. This condition can cause vision impairment or total blindness. An eye exam is the only way to diagnose ROP. Ask your doctor when the best time for the exam would be. Fortunately, the condition is treatable through cryosurgery, laser therapy, and vitrectomy.
Get Help From South Florida Pediatrics Miami
Newborns are delicate little creatures. They are even more fragile when they arrive too early. The good news is that with proper care, most preterm babies grow to live healthy lives. It often depends on your access to reliable facilities. Dr. Ana M. Hernandez-Puga is a member of the TopLine MD Alliance. This makes our clinic uniquely qualified to help you navigate the complex health care system and get the best care for your bundle of joy. Don’t take a risk with your baby’s life; schedule an appointment with us, today.
