2024-04-20 17:23:56
After nine months of pregnancy a baby is born. During the nine months in the mother’s womb, all the vital organs of the baby develop and these nine months are very important for the development of every child. However, some babies are born before the completion of nine months and these babies are called premature babies.
Generally pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks but some babies are born before the 37th week. These are called premature babies and these babies are at risk of having some serious health problems. If the baby is born before 24 to 28 weeks, the risks and complications increase further. These babies are very preterm.
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Serious diseases may occur
Babies born before the 28th week are at risk of serious health problems such as heart, lungs, brain and other organs not being fully developed. These children are at risk of having long-term developmental problems and also have a high mortality rate. According to the National Health Mission, the premature baby death rate in India is very high.
What could be the problem
Being born prematurely can cause a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which affects the blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, it can result in vision loss or blindness. Also premature babies may have a condition called retinal detachment, where the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing blurry or distorted vision.
problem in ear
Premature babies are at higher risk of hearing problems due to underdeveloped inner ear structures. This can lead to delayed language development and communication difficulties. The lungs of premature babies are underdeveloped, which can make it difficult for them to breathe. They may require the use of a ventilator to help them breathe.
weak immunity
Premature babies are more prone to respiratory infections due to their weak immune system. They may experience cerebral palsy, a condition that affects muscle control and movement. It is caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.
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delay in development
Developmental delays, learning disabilities and cognitive impairment are also seen in these children. Premature babies have a higher risk of developing health conditions later on, such as asthma, heart disease, and neurological and gastrointestinal problems. This is because their organs are not fully developed at birth, making them more vulnerable to long-term health problems.