Premature Births

Premature Births There is not much worse than observing a premature baby struggling to breathe, being kept alive by machines. More premature babies are being saved today than ever before, thanks to modern technology and the devotion of NICU nurses. Premature babies often face a very long road to recovery, many spending months hospitalized following births. It can be devastating for families. Regardless of the cause when it comes to a premature baby, no parent wishes to see their child hooked to machines, and not able to breathe on their own.

What is Considered Premature When a baby is born before they were naturally ready to leave the womb, they fall into the category of premature. These newborns have a higher rate of disabilities, with cerebral palsy being a common occurrence. Some additional conditions concerning premature babies are RDS is a breathing disorder related to the baby's immature lungs. It occurs because the lungs of premature babies often lack surfactant, a liquid substance that allows the lungs to remain expanded.  BPD, or chronic lung disease, is a term used to describe babies who require oxygen for several weeks or months. They tend to outgrow this uncommon condition, which varies in severity, as their lungs grow and mature.  Apnea is a temporary pause (more than fifteen seconds) in breathing that is common in preterm infants. It often is associated with a decline in the heart rate, called bradycardia. A drop in oxygen saturation as measured by a machine called pulse oximetry is called desaturation.

Most infants outgrow the condition by the time they leave the hospital for home.  ROP is an eye disease in which the retina is not fully developed. Most cases resolve without treatment, although serious cases may need treatment, including laser surgery in the most severe instances. Your infant may be examined by a pediatric ophthalmologist or retina specialist to diagnose.

Related: Household Stains and Removal Solutions Jaundice happens when a chemical called bilirubin builds up in the baby's blood. As a result, the skin may develop a yellowish color. Jaundice can occur in babies of any race or color.

Treating it involves placing the undressed baby under special lights (while her eyes are covered to protect them).

Caring for Premature Babies Taking care of a premature baby can be very involved. Prior to leaving the hospital, parents and caregivers are educated on proper procedures to care for the infant. This will include any necessary machines, and equipment, families receive extensive training in the operation functions, and learn how to recognize distress signals. Many parents struggle, especially in the beginning, as you fear the alarm sounding at any moment, it may be difficult to rest. As time goes by more people develop a comfort level and care becomes easier. Thanks to medical advances more and more premature babies are being saved, and go on to live normal productive lives.

Over the Decades Prior to 1920, it was difficult to actually be considered premature. And the gestation cycle was not fully understood. In 1920 the term premature was introduced into the medical society, and was to be used on any baby born 4 weeks or more before expected due date.

Survival Rates: based on 6 weeks premature 1920- Babies had about a fifteen percent chance of survival 1950- Babies had about a thirty percent chance of survival 1970- Survival rates improved to fifty to sixty percent 1990- Survival rates rose to seventy to eighty percent Today survival rates as high as ninety five percent in some cases, however, survival rates are based on multiple factors.

Related: What is a Nursing Informaticist?

Causes of Premature Births Some babies are born prematurely with no notable reason. If water breaks or labor pains begin and cannot be halted, then staff prepare for the birth of a premature baby. Other risk factors for delivering prematurely are smoking, consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, and general poor overall health of the mother.

It is important to understand, there are occasions that babies are born prematurely for no apparent reason. Mothers may suffer extreme guilt feelings, however, in many cases; nothing they did or didn't do could have resulted in a different outcome. The good news is, more premature babies are surviving now than ever before. There are support groups available for parents of premature babies, and in addition to support, they offer tips, advice and suggestions that may be useful in caring for a preemie.

If you or someone you know has, or is expected to deliver a premature baby, visit the hospital NICU ahead of time to learn what you can expect

once the baby is born. Neonatal intensive care units are dedicated to providing the best possible care for the premature baby. Most have dedicated areas for parents to bond with babies.

If you are a nurse considering working in a NICU, you will find that this can be a very rewarding position. A suggestion may be to spend several days visiting and observing prior to making a job commitment, to ensure it is the right fit for you and the department.

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