A baby who is born prior to the 37th week of gestation is considered a premature baby, according to PubMed Health. Most premature babies spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU; however, some may be able to come home without needing any special care. For premature babies born after 28 weeks, the survival rate is approximately 90 percent, but there may be lingering effects associated with the baby's early birth, according to PubMed Health. If you are the parent of a preterm infant, there are special needs and requirements of caring for your baby that you must consider.
Purpose
Premature babies, or preemies, have special needs because their body systems aren't fully formed. One notable complication associated with preemies is respiratory distress syndrome. This syndrome occurs because the preemie can't produce enough surfactant to keep the lungs from collapsing, notes the March of Dimes. Other problems that may have to be addressed include irregular body temperature, brain bleeds, nutritional concerns, jaundice, vision impairment and a weakened immune system. While in the NICU, the preemie gets the support and care she needs from machines, medications, nurses and loved ones. The goal of these treatments and therapies is to help the newborn survive, as well as preparing her to thrive on her own in our environment.
Mechanical Interventions
Many premature babies need a ventilator to breathe properly. This involves placing an endotracheal tube down the baby's throat. An oxygen hood or CPAP machine may be used on a baby who can breathe on his own but still needs some assistance getting the air to properly fill the lungs. A central IV line, or PICC line, may be inserted into the baby to administer medications, but some babies need only normal IV lines placed in the scalp, legs or arms. Preemies who need nutritional support usually have a nasogastric or orogastric tube; however, some babies require an umbilical catheter, which is the most risky of the three feeding supplement delivery options. A preemie with jaundice will likely need bili lights or a bili blanket to help the liver process bilirubin. Warmers and other devices may be used to keep the baby's body temperature steady. Other machines monitor the baby's vital signs, and some other support machines may be needed.
Medications
Artificial surfactants may be used to help the preemie's lungs inflate properly. Antibiotics may help the preemie fight infections. Blood-pressure medications are necessary for preemies who suffer from high blood pressure. Nutritional supplements are sometimes necessary, but some preemies can be fed breast milk if the mother pumps and properly stores the milk for the infant. Other medications may also be prescribed to help the baby cope with difficulties.
Parent Care
When your baby is in the NICU, there may be times when you aren't allowed to hold your baby; however, that doesn't mean you can't comfort your baby. In most cases, you can stroke your baby's head, hand or leg to offer comfort. When you are allowed to hold your baby, practice kangaroo care, which involves letting your baby feel skin-to-skin contact with you. A blanket can help you do this discreetly. When your baby can eat on her own, you may be able to breastfeed like this. Other ways you can help your baby include taking her temperature, helping bathe her, talking to her or taking her temperature. Your baby's nurse can give you ideas of things you can do to help your baby depending on your baby's unique needs. Some aspects of care, such as kangaroo care, can also be used at home.
References
- PubMed Health: Premature Infant
- March of Dimes: Improving the Treatment of Premature Babies
- Prematurity.org; The Use of Comforting Touch and Massage to Reduce Stress in Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Lynda Law Harrison, RN, PhD, FAAN; December 2001
- American Pregnancy Association: Care for the Premature Baby
