Babies born before the term are absolutely normal, they just need the supervision of doctors, as well as active medical support in the first days after the birth.
The latest achievements of medical science can save lives for children born just a little later than 22 weeks and whose weight after birth is just over half a kilogram. Thus, the degree of prematurity can be indicated.
The first degree is 2-2.5 kg with a period of 35-37 weeks.
The second degree is 1.5-2 kg with a period of 32-34 weeks.
The third degree is 1-1.5 kg with a period of 29-31 weeks.
The fourth degree is less than 1 kg, the period is less than 29 weeks.
External medical examination will also help in determining the degree of prematurity, as well as the features and disadvantages of physiology. After the examination, a conclusion is made. Methods of observation and treatment of the baby depend on the degree of prematurity.
Features of the physiology of premature infants.
The physical condition of premature babies, as well as the structure of their bodies, has several characteristic features. Subcutaneous fatty tissue and sweat glands are weak, underdeveloped, so the body's thermoregulation is disturbed, that is, babies are quickly supercooled and overheated. Preterm infants often have a large head with open small and lateral fontanelles. Due to insufficient mineralization, there is softness in the bones of the skull, the auricles. The body of the premature toddler often covers the fleece hair, otherwise called "lanungo".
With significantly premature nail plates can be underdeveloped, and in boys the testicles are not lowered into the scrotum, which is sometimes also underdeveloped. Girls can have underdeveloped labia.
In premature infants, weak, rapidly fading, and even completely absent reflexes. The reaction to external stimuli is slowed down.
Premature babies, among other things, have an underdeveloped respiratory system, and, since the respiratory tract is narrow, breathing is shallow, about 40-50 breaths per minute. Also, breathing is characterized by periodic apnea.
Cardiovascular system, as a rule, in preterm infants is almost formed, because it matures at the earliest stage of development, but there is a weak pulse and in some cases, noises in the heart. Premature babies have low blood pressure.
It is also possible to observe the slowness of metabolic processes. The departments of the gastrointestinal tract are not fully formed, the volume of the stomach is very small, and the stomach is in an upright position. There is a lack of bile acids and enzymes of the pancreas, the mucous membranes of the digestive tracts are too thin and vulnerable. Digestive process is difficult, there is a predisposition to regurgitation, flatulence and dysbiosis.
Premature babies move chaotically, randomly, often there is tremor and flinches.
Features of care for premature babies
Premature babies require very careful care. Usually, if you observe the provision of such care and observe all the necessary items of the child's maintenance within 2-3 months, the baby adapts to the world around him, many developmental shortcomings are compensated.
Premature babies first days contain, as a rule, in an incubator - a special capsule. There is maintained the necessary amount of oxygen, the level of temperature, humidity. All this takes place under the strict supervision of doctors, who record all changes in the state of the child. Conditions for the maintenance of the baby vary with its development. If it proceeds normally, the child is placed in a room with a strictly observed temperature regime and regular sanitary measures (ventilation, wet cleaning, quartz).
If the child shows a stable adaptation to the environment, is capable of independent food intake (the sucking reflex is developed sufficiently), the mass reaches the norm and constantly increases, then it can be discharged from the hospital. In this case, the child is observed in the pediatric specialists in the place of residence.
What should parents do with a premature baby?
Premature babies, like ordinary children, need love, caress and care of their parents. Parents, in addition, have their warm attitude to speed up the adaptation of the baby. For the baby, the presence of the mother, her heartbeat is very important, therefore the premature baby contact "skin to skin" with the mother is extremely important. Feeding premature babies is best done on demand. Feed by the clock should not be, because this can be too much work for a child who, because of his weakness, will simply not be able to suck up enough milk. The best option - to feed in small portions with an interval of 2 hours.
In addition to active emotional development, the child also needs physical development: massage, water gymnastics. These procedures can deal with parents and professionals who can be invited home. After all, in a homely, familiar and cozy environment, when the mother is around, the baby will feel free and will be able to get the necessary physical activity.
After some time, the premature baby catches up with his peers who were born on time. Each child has this process individually, but you can say for sure that the amount of love and affection affects the speed of development. Parents should love their baby the way he is, do not burden him with the burden of their expectations. It happens that premature babies overtake the development of ordinary children, on which parents placed too many expectations, trying to make him a genius.