Premature birth

definition

A baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy is called a premature birth. Most babies born prematurely weigh less than 1500g. Premature birth is associated with a number of risk factors for the child.

causes

Basically, there are a number of causes for premature birth, but this is not the case for all patients. Some give birth prematurely for no apparent reason:

• premature labor
• premature rupture of the amniotic sac
• Multiple pregnancy
• Detachment of the placenta (placenta)
• Illness of the mother

All these characteristics of a possible premature birth can also be interpreted as the first signs of a possible premature birth. In the event of premature labor or rupture of the amniotic sac, the mother must pay attention and consult a doctor.

Read more on the subject here High risk pregnancy.

Chances of survival

The chance of survival of premature babies with a birth weight of less than 1500g has meanwhile improved significantly.
Male premature babies and multiple births have a lower chance of survival than female premature babies. The fact that premature babies have a much better prognosis today than in the past is mainly due to the improved intensive care for babies and the better management of high-risk pregnancies.

How does the newborn normally adapt to the environment?

During the pregnancy will the fetus about the placenta, the Plaster cake, supplied with oxygen.
During this time there is still a connection between left and right Heart (Foramen oval), that means there are not yet two chambers of the heart. These are also not required at this point, as the lung is still without function.
The Foramen oval (Connection between the right and left ventricle) This closes within a few days (weeks) after the birth.
Also Breathing movements of the fetus can be determined during pregnancy. However, the lungs are filled with fluid. When the newborn takes its first breath, there is probably such a high pressure in the Rib cage built up so that the fluid diffuses into the lymph and blood vessels.
In order to fully develop his lungs, a certain substance, the so-called Surfactant, be present in the lungs. The lungs are now also supplied with blood, which increases the pressure and the filling with blood in the left part of the heart. The previously open foramen oval in the heart wall now closes.
The Respiratory rate of a newborn lies with 40 / min much higher than in adults. The heart also beats faster (120 / min). After the birth, the baby has to regulate its own body temperature. Since the newborn has little subcutaneous fat tissue, it generates its energy through what is known as what it is called brown adipose tissue.

The newborns are assessed using a scheme called a Apgar scheme. The assessment is made after 1, 5 and 10 minutes. A maximum of 10 points can be achieved. If the Apgar score is below 5, the child's survival is critical.

Retinopathy of premature infants

Retinopathy of premature infants is an underdevelopment of the Retina of the eye in premature babies. Since the newborn saw the light of day too early, its organs are not yet fully developed and prepared for the world outside the womb.

For more information, see Retinopathy of premature infants

prophylaxis

In order to prevent premature birth, the pregnant woman must be well informed. You must be made aware of warnings in order to avoid potentially harmful situations for the fetus and to act accordingly.

Premature rupture of the amniotic sac or premature labor are dangerous. Even if the mother is expecting twins, she should pay special attention to changes in pregnancy. Regular visits to the gynecologist (specialist in gynecology) and detailed advice for pregnant women are intended to prevent the risks.

Sometimes hospitalization is necessary. If there is a threat of premature birth, strict bed rest can be prescribed to the expectant mother. Monitoring around the clock is necessary and only guaranteed in the hospital. This depends on the degree of risk to the premature baby.

You may also be interested in this topic: Maternity allowance