According to Kids Health, a baby is considered premature if it is born before 37 weeks gestation. Your preemie may be facing health issues related to her early arrival. Premature babies are not physically ready to survive on their own and often face health problems as their body finishes developing outside the womb. If your baby was born prematurely, she may be facing respiratory problems, jaundice, anemia and infection. Knowing the possible health issues can help you take the very best care of your preemie.
Respiratory Issues
Your baby's lungs may not have developed enough if she was born early, and she may face a variety of different respiratory issues. Healthy Children reports that respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease/bronchopulmonary dysplasia and respiratory syncytial virus are three of the most common respiratory conditions that may affect your preemie.
Respiratory distress syndrome is a breathing problem related to incomplete lung development and a lack of surfactant that keeps the lungs from collapsing. Treatment often includes a ventilator or respirator and artificial surfactant to keep the lungs from collapsing.
Chronic lung disease/bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a condition that requires a preemie to be on oxygen for a month or more. Babies who suffer from this condition will likely be on oxygen for some period of time even after they go home.
Respiratory syncytial virus is a contagious illness that can cause apnea, or a pause in breathing. There is no proven treatment for respiratory syncytial virus, and you will need to take steps to prevent your preemie from getting it by washing hands and keeping people who are sick away from your preemie, says Healthy Children.
Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when a baby's liver is not completely formed before birth, reports Healthy Children. When the liver cannot effectively filter the yellowish substance called bilirubin from her body, your preemie's skin and eyes may take on a yellowish cast. According to Baby Center, if your baby's bilirubin gets too high, it could cause brain damage, so it is important to ensure that she get proper treatment. Treatment usually includes exposure to special lights, says Healthy Children.
Anemia
Anemic babies do not have enough red blood cells, states Baby Center, which means your baby may not have enough iron stored in her blood. Anemic babies may develop problems eating and may grow slowly as a result. Baby Center also reports that anemia often accompanies respiratory problems. Treatment for anemia may include supplements, drugs designed to increase red blood cell production, and in rare cases, a blood transfusion.
Infection
According to Baby Center, your premature baby may have an immature immune system, leaving her susceptible to infections. An inefficient immune system can not fight off bacteria, viruses and other organisms that could make your preemie sick. The most common infections seen in premature babies include pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. If your baby contracts an infection, her doctor will treat it with antibiotics or antiviral medications.
