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Between 11 and 13 percent of all babies born in the United States are born premature, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. Many of these infants will spend time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before going home, giving them time to grow and mature under the watchful eyes of hospital staff. Become involved as much as possible, as soon as possible, in raising your preemie. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's health, be sure to contact her pediatrician.
While most pregnancies last more than 37 weeks, sometimes babies are born earlier, due to complications or induced labor. Premature labor and delivery isn't always bad; sometimes it's necessary to protect the health of the infant and the mother. Some genetic predispositions and conditions make premature birth likely or necessary. Premature babies look different than full-term babies and often require special care and treatment to survive.
Newborn screening is the process of testing newborns for serious medical conditions before they are symptomatic. Babies, before they leave the hospital, receive tests to identify genetic, metabolic, hematologic diseases and diseases of the endocrine system. According to Medline Plus, the chances a newborn has such a disease is rare, but early diagnosis and intervention can improve a baby's mental and physical development.
Babies will usually only get a hernia in one of two places: their groin or around their belly button, according to the University of Virginia Health System. Belly button hernias are also known as umbilical hernias. This type of hernia usually occurs a few months after birth as a result of muscles not growing together.
Premature babies are babies born before they are fully developed. Premature babies face a bigger risk of health problems. Some of the conditions associated with premature birth affect the eyes. These conditions can result in a baggy appearance of the eyes.
Newborn babies, especially premature infants, aren't born beautiful and unscathed. Bruising and swelling are common features on newborns. Puffy and swollen eyes are also a common concern of premie parents.
The arrival of a baby is one of the most exciting things that can happen in a family. However, sometimes there are complications at the end of a pregnancy that can cause the baby to be born before the normal 40 weeks of gestation. Understanding the facts behind the birth of premature babies is important for families welcoming one of these little ones into the world.
Caring for a baby born too early is a challenging event in any parent's life, but with research and education is manageable. From the micro-preemie to the "just a little early," premature babies share a lot of the same characteristics.
According to the American Cancer Society, cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, many of which are quite toxic. While you may be well aware that cigarette smoking is harmful for your health, you may also be having a tough time quitting the habit. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, take the new change in your life as an opportunity to do everything you can to protect your baby's health. Here are some of the problems that can arise in a pregnancy and with a new baby if you choose not to quit smoking.
Some babies are born too early and need special treatment. A baby born too early may not be able to breathe or suck from breast or bottle. Premature infant treatments include medication to strengthen lungs and help with breathing, and a feeding tube.
Approximately 30 percent of all newborns spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital. Some babies have trouble breathing at first, some have illnesses that were contracted at birth, and still others have diseases or severe illnesses that developed during pregnancy. The most common reason that babies visit the neonatal intensive care unit is prematurity. This means that they are not quite big enough or their lungs are not developed enough to breathe on their own. If your baby has to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit due to prematurity, you can still help…
