Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: What is preterm birth? How can preterm birth be prevented? What are the effects of preterm birth on children?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Premature InfantInfants born between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation are referred to as premature, and the infants delivered are called premature infants or immature infants. Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality, accounting for approximately 50% to 75% of all neonatal deaths.
Key Points of Treatment
Premature infants are generally born between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation, weigh less than 2,500 grams, and have a length of less than 45 centimeters. They are underdeveloped and have poor life-sustaining abilities. As a result, their body temperature often fluctuates and is difficult to control, frequently leading to hypothermia. Their breathing is shallow and irregular, and their lips are prone to cyanosis. Their heart rate is around 160 beats per minute, liver function is abnormal, and their coagulation mechanism is not well-developed, making them prone to bleeding tendencies, which may manifest as the vomiting of coffee-colored mucus. Their sucking ability is poor, and in severe cases, they may be unable to swallow. Their resistance is weak, making them susceptible to infections or sepsis.
Key Points of Care
1. Maintain Warmth
Premature infants have underdeveloped thermoregulation centers, so it is important to keep them warm. They should be placed in an incubator maintained at 24°C to 26°C.
2. Feeding
Feed small amounts frequently. Initially, feed every 2 to 3 hours as appropriate. For infants without sucking ability, nasogastric tubes can be used.
3. Prevent Bleeding and Infection
After birth, a routine intramuscular injection of 15 milligrams of vitamin K should be administered daily for three consecutive days to prevent bleeding. It is also important to prevent infections, and if necessary, intramuscular penicillin can be administered.
4. Prevent Complications
Pay attention to preventing complications such as pneumonia, hardening of the skin (marasmus), and sepsis.