Premature Infant: Treatment, And Health Problem In Pregnancy

Prevention of preterm birth is essential by early detection and management of high-risk antenatal mothers. Preterm labor should be managed efficiently by appropriate referral to well-equipped obstetrical and neonatal care facilities to manage preterm babies better.

The doctor gives some medicines to the pregnant women to make the delivery on time. If there is still premature labor, the doctor needs to keep the mother in the NICU, i.e., Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

In the first few days, attention is paid to the development of the baby’s vital organs, such as keeping an eye on the baby’s heartbeat and breathing rate.

The child is released from the hospital only when

Care of preterm babies at birth

Efficient resuscitation and prevention of hypothermia are essential aspects of care at birth.

Delayed cord clamping may improve the iron stores and reduce the incidence of hyaline membrane disease. Should do it, according to the Baby’s condition. 

Continuous breathing support may be necessary. 

The neonatal intensive care unit

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) should provide an intrauterine environment for the preterm neonates. 

The NICU should be warm, free from excessive sound, and have smoothing light. Aseptic measures and effective hand washing should ensure protection from infections. 

Rough handling and painful procedure s should avoid. The Baby should place on a soft-comfortable, ‘nestled’ and cushioned bed.

The Baby’s clinical status aspect of management depends on the gestational age of the Baby.

Prone posture makes the neonates comfortable, less cry, and reduced the chance of aspiration. This position relieves abdominal discomfort, improves ventilation, and enhances arterial oxygenation. 

Unsupervised prone position may cause instant infant death syndrome(SIDS).

Maintenance of breathing

Respiratory distress is the most common problem in a preterm baby. The Baby’s neck should be extended slightly for proper breathing and to prevent any aspiration of feed.

Oxygen therapy should administer only when indicated. Headbox to use for oxygen therapy. The concentration of oxygen to be maintained to have SPO2 

Between 90 to 92 percent and PaO2 between 60 to 80mm Hg. Baby’s respiration rate, rhythm, signs of distress, chest retraction, nasal flaring, apnea, cyanosis, oxygen saturation, etc., to be monitored at frequent intervals. Tactile stimulation by sole flicking can provide to stimulate respiratory effort.

Also see: Cyanotic Breath Holding Spells Infant | Pallid Breath Holding Spells

Family support discharge planning, follow-up, and home care

Babies condition and progress should be explained to the parents to reduce anxiety. A treatment plan to be discussed. Should inform Parents about the care of the Baby after discharge at home. The need for warmth, breastfeeding, general cleanliness, infection prevention measures, environmental hygiene, follow-up plan, immunization, etc., should be explained.

Can Most healthy infants with a birth of 1800g or more and gestational maturity of 35 weeks can at home. 

Mothers should be mentally prepared and trained to provide essential care to the preterm Baby at home.

At the time of release, the Baby should have daily steady weight gain with good vigor and suck and maintain warmth. The community nurse should visit the family every week or for a month and provide necessary guidance and support.