Gourt > Health > Reproductive Health > Pregnancy and Birth > Premature Babies (3)
Premature birth (also known as preterm birth, or premie) is defined medically as childbirth occurring earlier than 37 completed weeks of gestation. Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. Premature babies are sometimes called preemies. About 12 percent of babies in the United States — or 1 in 8 — are born prematurely each year. In 2003, more than 490,000 babies in the U.S. were born prematurely. The shorter the term of pregnancy is, the greater the risks of complications. Infants born prematurely have an increased risk of death in the first year of life. They are also at a greater risk for developing serious health problems such as: cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision and hearing loss.
Although there are several known risk factors for prematurity (see below), nearly half of all premature births have no known cause. When conditions permit, doctors may attempt to stop premature labor, so that the pregnancy can have a chance to continue to full term, thereby increasing the baby's chances of health and survival. However, there is currently no reliable means to stop or prevent preterm labor in all cases.
After being born, a premature baby is cared for in a special section of the hospital known as the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). The physicians who specialize in the care of very sick or premature babies are known as neonatologists. In the NICU, babies are kept in incubators (or isolettes), a bassinet enclosed in plastic with climate control equipment designed to keep babies warm and limit their exposure to germs. In some cases, an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may be used, although this is avoided where possible, as it can cause damaging side effects. Premature babies may be released from the hospital when they no longer need the constant hospital care the NICU provides.
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A Primer on Preemies - Learn about the special needs and health concerns of premature infants, as well as the innovative care they receive that allows them to thrive long after they leave the hospital.
Meta Description: [ Premature infants have many special needs that make their care different from that of full-term infants. ]
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American Baby: Premature Babies - A collection of articles that helps prepare you to bring your premature baby home. Also details complications your premature baby might face.
Bradie's Site - This is bradies site, he was born 13 weeks premature, watch his progress as he grows and comes home.
Meta Description: [ this is my own web site offering pictures and help to anyone who is going through the hardship of having a premature baby. my baby boy was born 13 weeks early, and this is our story and contact details. from debbie. ]
Follow-up of Premature Babies at Risk - Article describing the need for follow-up of pre-term infants that may be at risk for developmental delays, or other disabilities.
Meta Description: [ Medical and developmental followup of children born premature. ]
Helping Parents Cope With a High Risk Birth - A father's perspective on premature birth.
Kirsty's Diary - Based for UK By parents for parents of premature babies. Explore Kirstys Diary, parents feelings, help and support. Also links to other sites.
Preemie Parent Page - Inspirational articles about preemie babies and their care.
Preemie Ring - Collection of non-commercial premature infant web sites. Most of the sites in the ring are personal web pages about the development of a premature baby.
Meta Description: [ The Preemie Ring was launched February 1997. The preemie ring is a collection of home pages about premature infants and premature infant care, etc. Some preemies in the ring were born about 4 months e ]
Premature-Baby.com - A diary, links, reference material, thoughts and images by a parent of a premature baby for other parents.
Premature-Infant - Information and emotional support for preemie parents and health care professionals.
Small Wonders - Information about preemie care and complications.
Snuggles - Support group for parents of babies who have spent time in a neonatal unit.
Strenuous Working Conditions During Pregnancy are Related to Preterm Birth - Information on the pregnancy outcomes for over 160,000 women documents the association between physically demanding work during pregnancy and preterm birth, maternal hypertension, preeclampsia and small-for-gestational age babies.
Meta Description: [ Information on the pregnancy outcomes for over 160,000 women documents the association between physically demanding work during pregnancy and preterm birth, maternal hypertension, preeclampsia and small-for-gestational age babies.
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