Any baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is called a premature baby. Preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths and is a major contributor to infant morbidity. Premature babies may have a higher risk of health problems because their organs and systems may not be fully developed.

Premature babies may need to stay in the hospital for a longer period, sometimes several weeks or even months, to receive special care and monitoring. They may have a higher risk of respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and infections. They may also be at higher risk for developmental delays and learning disabilities.

Types of premature babies:

There are different degrees of prematurity, based on the number of weeks of pregnancy the baby was born. The following are the different categories of prematurity:

Extremely preterm: Born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy
Very preterm: Born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy
Moderately preterm: Born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy
Late preterm: Born between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy

Babies born at the earlier end of the prematurity spectrum may have a higher risk of health problems because their organs and systems may not be fully developed. They may also require more intensive care and monitoring in the hospital. Babies born later in the prematurity spectrum may have fewer health problems and can go home sooner.

It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for caring for a premature baby, as the specific needs of the baby may vary depending on the degree of prematurity. It is also important to remember that premature babies may have different growth and development patterns than full-term babies.

What new parents should know about premature baby care:

For new parents, taking care of a newborn is challenging enough. However, the challenge doubles if the newborn is premature. If you are a new parent of a premature baby, here are some premature baby health issues you may want to be aware of:

Premature babies may have underdeveloped lungs and may struggle to breathe on their own. They may need to be placed on a ventilator or receive oxygen therapy to help them breathe.
Preterm babies may have trouble feeding and require tube feeding or other special feeding techniques.
Premature babies may have difficulty regulating their body temperature and may need to be placed in an incubator or use special blankets to keep warm.
Premature babies may be more prone to jaundice, a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Premature babies may have different growth and development patterns than full-term babies. The healthcare provider can guide what to expect as your baby grows and develops.

It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for caring for your premature baby, including feeding, sleeping, and handling. The provider may recommend a specific feeding schedule and suggest feeding the baby breast milk or formula if the baby cannot breastfeed.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious as a new parent, especially if your baby was born prematurely. It may be helpful to seek support from family and friends or to connect with other parents of premature babies through support groups or online resources.

Here are some tips for caring for a premature baby:

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions:

Your baby's healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to care for your premature baby. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for your baby.

Keep the baby warm:

Premature babies may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so it is important to keep the baby warm. Use a preemie blanket or wrap the baby in a warm blanket, and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Practice skin-to-skin contact:

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as "kangaroo care," can help regulate your baby's body temperature and heart rate, as well as promote bonding and breastfeeding.

Follow a feeding schedule:

Your baby's healthcare provider will likely recommend a specific feeding schedule for your premature baby. It is important to follow this schedule to ensure that your baby is getting enough nutrition.

Avoid exposure to infection:

Premature babies are more susceptible to infections, so it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of infection. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid bringing people who are sick into the room with the baby.

Take care of yourself:

Taking care of a premature baby can be physically and emotionally draining. It is important to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and seeking support from family and friends.

It is important to follow up with the healthcare provider regularly to monitor your baby's progress and address any concerns you may have.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, DELHI-NCR - Moti Nagar. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.