A premature infant is a baby born before the normal 37-week gestation period is complete. Symptoms of preterm labor include uterine contractions which occur more often than every ten minutes or the leaking of fluid from the vagina. Premature babies are at greater risk for cerebral palsy, delays in development, hearing problems, and problems seeing.
The cause of preterm birth is often not known. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, being pregnant with more than one baby, being either obese or underweight, a number of vaginal infections, tobacco smoking, and psychological stress, among others.
Although there are various causes for preterm birth, all such newborns are immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care service that works in close collaboration with the obstetrics, gynecology and intensive care units.
Caring for a premature baby is different – preemies are more likely to have feeding problems, may have more trouble sleeping, and can be harder to soothe. They may also have continuing medical needs.
About video: This film has been prepared for families who are or risk being directly concerned with preterm birth. This will be followed by questions related to the preterm child's development and the importance of the follow-up care to be given by doctors and the family as well.
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