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This November 17th commemorates the World Premature Children’s Daywith the purpose of making known the adverse situations faced by the premature babies and their families, as well as look for solutions that seek their quality of life.
According to statistics, approximately 15 million premature children are born every year, and of these, more than one million die before turn 5 years old. Since 2015, it was established that premature births are the leading cause of child death in the world and, in many cases, those babies who manage to survive can develop pathologies such as cognitive delay, loss of vision or hearing and even cerebral palsy.
According to a report released by the Ministry of Health federal in 2022, in our country they are born 200,000 you drink prematurely every year.
What are the causes?
A premature birth occurs before week 37 of pregnancy. A typical pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks. Any pregnant woman can have a premature birth, even if she has had a well-cared for pregnancy. However, there are certain factors that can cause some women to be more likely than others to begin labor and give birth early.
– Pregnancy twins, triplets or more.
– A period of less than six months between pregnancies. The ideal is to wait 18 to 24 months between pregnancies.
– Fertilization treatments or assisted reproduction.
– More than one abortion spontaneous or voluntary.
– And premature birth anterior.
– Problems in uterusthe cervix or placenta.
– Some infectionsmainly from the amniotic fluid and the lower genital tract.
– Ongoing health problemssuch as high blood pressure and diabetes.
– Injuries or trauma in the body.
– Diabetes and hypertension arterial
– Smoke cigarettesconsume drugs illicit drinking alcohol often or very frequently during pregnancy.
– Have underweight or overweight during pregnancy.
– Get pregnant before the age of 17 o after 35.
– Pass by stressful eventssuch as the death of a loved one or domestic violence.
What are the consequences of a premature baby in adulthood?
A study carried out by researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and published in the journal “Pediatrics” reported that people who were born prematurely have a higher risk of suffer from a mental disorderdepression or anxiety when reaching adulthood.
Still other research pointed out an increase in double the risk of death by cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes, chronic lung disease and diabetes, compared with those born closer to full gestation.
And, although the vast majority of adults born prematurely enjoy good health, some run a higher risk to suffer anxiety and depressionneurological and behavioral disorders, decreased cardiopulmonary function, systemic hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Additionally, adults born prematurely often have a different personalitywhich is not exactly abnormal. They are more conscientious, cautious, pleasant, timid and less likely to adopt risky behaviors or develop addictions, which could partly explain why they suffer harassment more frequently or because they present more social difficulties, especially with their partners or friends.
Uncontrollable factors, and it’s important for parents to seek medical guidance and support throughout their pregnancy to mitigate potential risks.
Interview with Guest 1:
Interviewer: As a doctor specialized in neonatology, what are the main challenges that premature babies face and how do you ensure their proper development in the neonatal intensive care unit?
Guest 1: As a doctor specialized in neonatology, I can say that premature babies face a variety of challenges that need to be addressed during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Some of the main challenges include respiratory difficulties, feeding problems, immature organ systems, and increased risk of infections. To ensure their proper development, we work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for these babies. This includes monitoring their vital signs, offering nutritional support, and providing specialized therapies such as respiratory support and physical therapy. We also consider family-centered care, ensuring that parents are involved in decision-making and providing emotional support throughout the baby’s stay in the NICU.
Interviewer: What are some of the long-term effects of premature birth on a child’s development and well-being?
Guest 1: Premature birth can have a significant impact on a child’s long-term development and well-being. These children may face challenges such as cognitive and motor delays, vision and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, and an increased risk of chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes. Additionally, they may experience social and emotional difficulties, such as behavioral problems and learning disabilities. It’s essential to provide ongoing support and interventions to help these children reach their full potential.
Interviewer: What can parents do to decrease the risk of having a premature baby?
Guest 1: Parents can take several steps to decrease the risk of having a premature baby. Getting proper prenatal care, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing any underlying health conditions are crucial. It’s also essential to space pregnancies at least 18 months apart and minimize stress levels as much as possible. However, sometimes, premature birth occurs due to
