Extremely premature babies: What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi An - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital
Babies born extremely prematurely have not had enough time to develop fully, so their health is very weak, they are prone to dangerous and life-threatening diseases.

1. What is extremely preterm birth?

A normal pregnancy will last about 38-40 weeks. A premature baby is a baby born between 32 weeks and before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born before 32 weeks are called very premature babies, and before 28 weeks they are extremely preterm.

2. What to watch out for when there is a risk of extremely premature birth?

Pregnant women at risk of having an extremely premature birth will have a closer discussion with their doctors about the baby's viability. The survival of extremely premature babies depends on many factors such as gestational age, sex, and weight. It is important for pregnant women to understand that babies born extremely prematurely, even if they are likely to survive, are still at high risk for serious and lasting health problems. Because they do not have enough time to fully develop, babies born extremely prematurely often have both physical and mental defects, requiring special medical care.

3. Health risks for extremely premature babies

Babies born prematurely are more at risk for health problems, including:
Developmental delays Communication and pronunciation difficulties Hearing-visual difficulties Digestive system problems Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) Bleeding in the brain Infection Problems controlling body temperature Cerebral palsy and other neurological problems

4. Methods to prevent extreme preterm birth

Pregnant women at risk of extremely premature birth may be prescribed drugs that promote lung growth (corticosteroids) or drugs to prolong pregnancy. If a woman who is between 24 and 34 weeks pregnant is suspected of having a baby within the next week, a dose of corticosteroids may be given to speed up the development of the lungs and other organs of the fetus. .
Pregnant women with symptoms of threatened preterm labor may be prescribed drugs called tocolytics. This medication works to slow or stop uterine contractions, preventing labor for 2-7 days. Tocolytics are combined with corticosteroids to prolong the time for the corticosteroids to work, to prolong the time for the lungs and other organs of the fetus to develop, or to allow time for the pregnant woman to move to another hospital. fully equipped with special care facilities for extremely premature babies.

5. Survival of extremely premature babies

Many hospitals have a neonatal intensive care unit, or neonatal intensive care unit. If babies born extremely prematurely at birth are cared for in this unit, they will have a higher chance of survival. The neonatal intensive care unit specializes in taking care of babies with serious health problems, so the department is fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, with qualified doctors and nurses. well-trained, in-depth and experienced in taking care of premature babies. Premature babies may be cared for by a team of neonatologists, doctors who specialize in treating newborn health problems, and nurse practitioners.

6. What to do when there is a risk of extremely premature birth?

Extremely premature babies need special care, if they don't respond to treatment, they can die soon after birth. The medical team will talk to you about the options that are right for your child's condition. It is possible that the baby will not be able to live without a respirator. Your doctor will advise you on the best option for your child.

At Vinmec International General Hospital, the process of caring for and nurturing premature infants in particular and infants with pathologies in general is as effective as that of advanced countries, increasing the chances of treatment and recovery. healthy life for premature babies, increasing opportunities for infertile families. Vinmec is the only hospital in the North that has saved the life of a 24-week premature baby.
Master. Doctor. Nguyen Thi An, former Head of Pediatrics Department, Quang Ninh General Hospital, is a person who is very passionate about health care for children and successfully treats many difficult cases. Currently, is a Doctor of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Department of Neonatology at Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
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