Is prematurity prone to jaundice?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 26, 2025
00:00
00:00

Premature infants often exhibit jaundice. This is because during premature birth, the baby's gas distension function is not yet perfect, the liver's detoxification capabilities are relatively weak, and the ability to process bilirubin is poor. Therefore, jaundice easily occurs, and the physiological jaundice in premature infants is more severe compared to full-term infants. Due to the reduced sucking ability and swallowing reflex in premature infants and their underdeveloped intestinal function, most babies cannot be normally breastfed after birth. The increased absorption of bilirubin in the intestines exacerbates the jaundice in premature infants. It is advised for premature infants to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible and some medications can also be used to promote liver enzyme activity.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
52sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
51sec home-news-image

Is low amniotic fluid likely to lead to premature birth?

During pregnancy, if there is a reduction in amniotic fluid, it is easy for premature delivery to occur. Insufficient amniotic fluid can cause fetal hypoxia in the uterus, which may lead to frequent fetal movements and stimulate uterine contractions, resulting in premature birth. When there is a reduction in amniotic fluid, it is important to replenish it in a timely manner. This can be done by drinking more water, intravenous fluid infusion, or directly injecting saline into the amniotic cavity. To determine the best method to replenish the amniotic fluid, it is advisable to seek treatment under the guidance of a doctor and to closely monitor changes in fetal heart rate and movements.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
41sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
42sec home-news-image

How is preterm birth defined?

Premature birth means that the gestational period is not yet complete, and the baby is born before reaching full term, which is called preterm birth. Specifically, this ranges from more than 28 weeks but less than 37 weeks of gestation. Due to the incomplete development of premature infants, their organ functions are relatively poor. Therefore, caring for premature infants can be more challenging, often requiring pediatric care and enhanced nursing. Moreover, there are more complications, so it is important to try to prevent premature births as much as possible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
45sec home-news-image

How to care for premature infants

The care of premature babies is very important. Since the physical resistance of premature babies is weaker than that of full-term infants, premature babies generally need to be placed in incubators to maintain body temperature. If an incubator is not available, methods such as using a hot water bottle for warmth can be employed, or putting cotton hats on the babies. During feeding, breastfeeding is an option. For very small babies who have poor sucking ability or uncoordinated swallowing functions, or for babies who are ill, the mother can express her milk, which can then be fed to the baby via a tube through the nose. Artificial feeding is also an option.