What are preterm babies?
A preterm baby is defined as a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, since normal gestation usually ends at 40 weeks. Babies born prematurely are generally weaker and have statistically more complications in the first few weeks of life.
Symptoms of premature babies
The main symptom of a premature baby is a birth weight that is lower than it should be, although this is not always the case. Three categories are distinguished, from the mildest to the most severe: infants weighing between 1.50 and 2 kg, those weighing less than 1.5 kg and those weighing less than 1 kg.
A premature baby is defined as a baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy.
before the 37th week of pregnancy
Diagnosis of premature infants
The diagnosis of premature babies is based on the simple observation that the birth took place earlier than normal.
What are the causes of premature babies?
There may be several factors responsible for preterm delivery. Causes due to maternal conditions include pathologies such as heart disease, infections, pre-eclampsia, anemia, uterine and placental abnormalities or an inadequate lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, drugs). The baby may also be born prematurely due to multiple gestation, detachment of the amniochorial membranes, chromosomal abnormalities and poor development caused by a placenta that does not allow adequate nutrition to the fetus.
Treatments for premature babies
The premature and underweight baby is placed inside a neonatal incubator, a machine that simulates maternal womb conditions of temperature and oxygenation, providing nourishment. Once the same conditions have been reached as during a normal pregnancy, the baby can leave the incubator and move to maternity care. However, during the first two years of life, special care should be taken with premature infants, who are generally more prone to respiratory problems due to the artificial development of the lungs.
Which specialist to contact?
The most appropriate specialist for the treatment of a premature infant is the gynecologist.