The Impact of Premature Birth
Typically, human babies require about 270 days to fully develop in the womb, after which they are usually ready to make the transition to life on the outside. When babies are born too early, many of their body’s organs and systems are immature and unable to function properly on their own. Fortunately, medical science has the ability to help those babies stay alive until they can sustain themselves. The complications of premature birth vary from short-term to long-lasting. Some are major health complications or disabilities while others are minor concerns or entirely unnoticeable. Some complications in pre-mature babies may be manifested immediately while others may not surface until later in life. How prematurity will affect your babies depends a great deal on just how early they were born. For example, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and blindness are all major complications that result from premature birth. At the other end of the spectrum are minor conditions that can be corrected or overcome later in life, such as asthma, vision deficiencies, hyperactivity, or orthopedic irregularities. Note: Viability can vary depending on the baby’s circumstances and health care system Parents of preemies concerned about their baby’s special needs or health complications should discuss special care with their doctor after leaving the NICU. In some cases, premature babies may require specialized care in a high-risk newborn clinic or early intervention program.
