If a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it can be called a premature baby. In general, the embryo will have achieved adequate growth by the time it is 40 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, the lunge and other limbs of the baby receive full growth that enables it to adapt with the external circumstances. However, a premature baby cannot easily adapt because of an insufficient growth of its different organs and limbs.

Reasons for premature delivery:

• Pregnancy at a young age
• Conceiving within a little interval
• Malnutrition in the mother
• Infection in the mother during pregnancy
• High blood pressure in the mother
• Complications suffered by a premature baby:
• Decrease of body temperature at any time
• Breathing problem due to improper growth of the lunge
• Various infections owing to insufficient immune strength
• Low weight
• Malnutrition

Care for the premature babies:

Experts believe that if regular care is offered, around 75% of premature babies can be saved. Here is how to take care of a premature baby.

Care at the hospital:

At times, premature babies are taken to the intensive care unit right after birth. Life support may need to be provided. Wellness of a premature baby can be ensured by giving required medication, oxygen if required, nutritious foods being supplied through tubes and checkup to make sure body temperature is normal. To keep normal temperature, proper supply of heat needs to be ensured. For all these facilities, there is no better place than a hospital wherein your baby can be supervised by a specialist and a nurse.

Precautions before bringing home:

Things you need to check include-

• Is baby being able to continue breathing properly for 24-48 hours being out of the incubator?
• Is the body temperature of the baby being normal?
• Can the baby drink milk in bottles or be breastfed normally without the tubes?
• Is the weight of the baby increasing consistently?

Most babies come to gain a normal state within 2-4 weeks after their birth. If the above things are normal, you can think of brining your baby home as per the doctor’s suggestion.

Care for a premature baby at home:

Remember, care for a premature baby involves a more planned management that at the same time requires family members to be more caring and conscious.

Body temperature of the new born baby:

The body of a premature baby should be kept warm for which some items like warm t-shirts, soft sleeping suit or sleeping bag should be kept in place. You have to consider the environment and temperature while choosing clothing items for your baby. For keeping the baby’s body warm or normal, you can wipe his/her body with wet towel and then wipe again with a dry towel. Do not let your baby stay without any clothing on his/her body because he/she might catch cold. Change the bed sheet and covers in winter multiple times. Also, you can hold your baby in your breasts. Such action can keep him/her warm.

Nutritious foods for the new born:

Breast milk is an all-in-one food for a new born baby who does not need anything else for his/her nutritional needs until six months of age. For a premature baby, it is recommended that breast milk be given for a longer period. Breast milk prevents various types of infections and complications. Alongside it, fruit juice and water can also be provided at a prescribed age.

Arrangement for proper sleep:

Sometimes, babies are found to stay awake for late hours and cry instead of sleeping. Appetite may be a likely cause. A premature baby needs to get breast milk more often than other children. So, the baby should be breastfed as much as possible. Also, the internal environment of the house should be kept calm with proper arrangement for air and light circulation.

Sudden infant death syndrome:

While there is not certain reason why this happens, a baby may be affected by it during the first six months of birth. By following the instructions below, sudden infant death syndrome can be handled with success.

• Do not let the baby sleep keeping his/her back upside.
• Do not let anyone smoke in the room
• Do not allow part of the blanket or quilt to fall upon the baby’s mouth
• Do not fall asleep on sofa or bed with your baby held by the arms
• Try to keep the temperature of the house within 16-20 degrees
• Do not keep heater or hearth near the baby
• Do not take any alcoholic drink in front of the baby

Caution before taking the baby into the lap:

Since the immunity strength of a premature baby is lesser than the others, anyone who wants to take him/her into the lap must wash their hands properly so that germ or bacteria cannot spread.

Environment of the room:

Make sure the room wherein you want to accommodate your premature baby, is clean and arranged with ways for adequate light and air. Try to keep your baby in a room that is close to yours.

Proximity to the mother:

Being close to the mother, a baby always feels safe and warm with consistent supply of breast milk. Smell of the mother helps the baby rest assured and grow properly.

Conclusion:

It is always advised that women pay attention to the causes that lead to the birth of a premature baby so that it may not happen. Strict adherence to the doctor’s suggestions along with utmost care by the parents can ensure that a premature baby grow up well with the hope of a prosperous future.

Contact our call center to consult doctors at SuperMom for any children and maternity affairs from 9am to 5pm from Sunday-Thursday (except Government holidays). Call at 08000-888-000.