Terms will prepare you to discuss them with your doctor or other medical providers if the need arises: Preemie-a is the baby born prematurely at less than 37 weeks of age. The average twin birth occurs at 35.2 weeks. Th is is the most common reason for twins to require NICU admission. RDS-respiratory distress syndrome, a lung problem typically seen in babies born less than 34 weeks of age. Premature babies frequently have underdeveloped lungs that do not produce enough surfactant, an important substance that helps the lungs function normally. Babies with RDS often require oxygen and mechanical ventilation.
Fortunately, doctors can give surfactant to babies with RDS. The availability of surfactant has dramatically improved the survival and health of premature babies. PDA-patent ductus arteriosus. Babies in the womb have a conduit between two blood vessels that stem from the heart. Usually, this conduit closes shortly after birth. When the conduit fails to close, this condition is called a patent ductus arteriosus. A PDA typically causes no major problems. However, it can sometimes lead to heart failure and breathing difficulties, especially in premature babies. In these cases, doctors can use medications or surgery to close the PDA.
NEC-necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the intestines. Premature babies have a greater risk of developing NEC. Sometimes the intestines may be sufficiently damaged so as to require surgical removal of the damaged area. IVH-intraventricular hemorrhage, a bleed from small blood vessels in the brain. Babies less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds 5 ounces) have the greatest risk of IVH. Severe IVH can lead to neurological damage, but minor bleeds typically pose no major long-term problems.
ROP-retinopathy of prematurity, a condition where the eye does not develop normally in premature babies. Some babies require laser surgery to prevent vision loss. Hyperbilirubinemia-a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Prematurity is one of the most common risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia. Premature babies do not process a normal chemical in the blood called bilirubin as efficiently as full-term babies.
This chemical increases and causes yellow skin (jaundice). If severe jaundice is left untreated, bilirubin can build up in the brain and cause injury. Most babies with jaundice are easily treated by being placed under special fluorescent lighting that helps the bilirubin level drop. In rare cases, blood transfusions may be needed.
Apnea of prematurity-long pauses in breathing in premature babies. Typically the brain automatically directs the body to breathe. The immature brain of a premature baby, however, sometimes allows the baby to stop breathing for too long. Treatment includes the use of medications to stimulate breathing. Premature babies typically outgrow this condition once they approach the age equivalent to the number of weeks by which they were premature. I know that reading about these conditions may be scary but it is very necessary.