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Preterm delivery
How to care for premature infants
Women with premature infants should primarily focus on the following aspects: Firstly, they should ensure proper thermal protection to avoid the baby getting cold, and can use fleece hats for the baby. Secondly, attention should be given to the feeding method; premature infants should start breastfeeding as soon as possible when appropriate. If breast milk is insufficient, special formula milk for premature infants can be used. Thirdly, special attention should be given to managing the baby's breathing since premature infants might experience respiratory pauses, requiring close monitoring. Fourthly, due to the low body weight and poor immune function of premature infants, making them prone to infections, it is crucial to prevent infections and avoid cross-infection through frequent handwashing and maintaining good indoor ventilation and hygiene. Fifthly, it is important to ensure adequate supplementation of vitamins and trace elements. Sixthly, particular care should be taken with the skin and mucous membrane care, as premature infants have delicate skin and are prone to skin infections. Lastly, timely and regular vaccinations are also very important.
How to correct the corrected age for premature babies?
Generally, as preterm infants are born several weeks early, this may lead to discrepancies in their specific months of age. If the preterm baby is developing well without other complications, it is possible to calculate the corrected age. Under normal circumstances, the simplest method to calculate the corrected age is to use the expected due date for calculation. Corrected age is calculated by taking the current age in days and subtracting the expected due date, which allows for accurately estimating the baby's current age in months. When the baby is between two and two and a half years old, you can add back the months previously subtracted, and calculate according to the normal age since, by then, the baby's developmental indicators are generally the same as those of a full-term baby.
How many weeks early can a premature baby survive?
In clinical practice, infants born after 28 weeks but before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm. The survival rate of these babies varies; the earlier the birth, the lower the likelihood of survival. Clinically, babies born at 23 weeks have a 17% chance of survival; those born at 24 weeks have a 39% survival rate; at 25 weeks, the rate is 50%; at 26 weeks, it increases to 80%; and at 27 weeks, it rises to about 90%. Babies born between 28 and 31 weeks have an even higher survival rate, approximately 95%; and from 32 to 33 weeks, the survival chances are comparable to those of full-term babies. Records indicate that the earliest preterm baby to survive was born at 21 weeks and five days, in Canada.
Are the twins premature?
The likelihood of premature birth is higher in twins than in singletons, but this does not mean that all twins will be born prematurely. In the case of twins, there are two children in the uterus. Generally, the combined weight of two children is more than that of one. Additionally, there might be more amniotic fluid and a larger placental area. Therefore, the contents of the uterus occupy more volume, and when the uterus is stretched to a certain extent, its sensitivity increases. As a result, some may experience contractions and give birth prematurely before reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Is placenta previa likely to lead to preterm birth?
Placenta previa refers to the condition where, after 28 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta reaches or covers the internal opening of the cervix. There are multiple causes for placenta previa, and its occurrence does not necessarily lead to preterm birth. Clinically, placenta previa mainly results in irregular vaginal bleeding, which increases the risk of preterm birth. Therefore, it is recommended that regular prenatal visits be conducted at a hospital when placenta previa occurs. Treatment measures should be taken based on the specific condition of the placenta, and treatment to preserve the pregnancy may be necessary at times. In cases of placenta previa, it is advisable to rest in bed as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities.
How is premature birth defined?
Preterm birth is defined in relation to miscarriage and full-term birth. A birth before 28 weeks of pregnancy is considered a miscarriage; a birth after 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered full-term; and a birth between 28 weeks and 36 weeks and six days is considered preterm. Since preterm birth occurs in the late stages of pregnancy, the fetus has a certain chance of survival. However, efforts should be made to delay the timing of preterm birth as much as possible to increase the survival rate of the fetus. It is generally believed that births between 28 and 34 weeks are considered early preterm, during which the survival probability of the fetus is relatively low; whereas births after 34 weeks up to 36 weeks and six days are considered late preterm, during which the maturity of the fetus is higher and the survival rate is also relatively high.
Premature rupture of membranes caused by
The main cause of premature rupture of membranes leading to preterm birth is infection of the reproductive tract, including vaginitis and cervicitis. These inflammations can ascend along the vagina and uterus, affecting the amniotic membrane and leading to its damage, which causes premature rupture of the membrane. Therefore, women should receive timely treatment for any gynecological infections before or during pregnancy, and should not take them lightly. Additionally, high pressure in the amniotic cavity, such as with multiple pregnancies or excessive amniotic fluid, can exceed the tolerance of the amniotic membrane and cause it to rupture prematurely. Moreover, physical trauma to the mother, sexual intercourse during pregnancy with excessive movement, or improper amniocentesis can also lead to premature rupture of the membranes.
Does a low-lying placenta cause preterm birth?
In cases of placenta previa, there is also a certain risk of preterm birth. Generally, in the late stages of pregnancy, a persistent low-lying placenta may have some impact on the development of the placenta and embryo. Excessive physical activity or normal daily activities may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Long-term blood clots pressing on the cervix can also promote cervical dilation and lead to preterm birth. Therefore, it is generally necessary to rest in bed and avoid excessive exercise after placenta previa occurs, in order to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Definition of premature birth date
Premature birth, compared to miscarriage and full-term birth, is defined differently. A miscarriage refers to childbirth before 28 weeks, and a full-term birth is one that occurs after 37 weeks. Births that occur between 28 weeks and 36 weeks plus 6 days are collectively referred to as premature births. During this period, the fetus is relatively larger and has a certain level of maturity, so the survival rate is relatively high. However, it still falls short when compared to full-term infants. Generally, 34 weeks is used as a boundary: infants born from 28 to 34 weeks are referred to as early preterm, while those born between 34 weeks and 36 weeks plus 6 days are considered late preterm. Therefore, premature births are divided into these two main categories. In clinical practice, if there are signs of premature birth, it is recommended to try to extend the gestational age and aim for childbirth during the late preterm period.
How many months premature can survive?
Premature infants are those born between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation. Due to the incomplete development of various organ functions, premature infants are prone to a range of complications after birth, which can be severe and may even lead to death. Generally, the survival rate of premature infants is higher if they reach at least seven months, or 28 weeks, of gestation. If premature birth is inevitable, it is recommended to seek medical care at a qualified institution with specialized neonatal resuscitation wards to enhance the chances of the infant's survival. Generally, the chances of survival significantly increase when care is received at such medical facilities.