Skip Navigation

What Are the Risks to a Preterm Baby?


What Are the Risks to a Preterm Baby?

Being born too early can pose multiple risks to a child. Possible complications for babies born before 32 to 34 weeks include the following.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

a breathing problem

Apnea

an interruption in breathing that may be accompanied by a slow heart rate

Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)

bleeding in the brain

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

a heart problem

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

an intestinal problem which leads to feeding difficulties, abdominal swelling, and other complications

Anemia

the condition of not having enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body's tissues

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye which can lead to bleeding and formation of scars

Jaundice

immature livers can't remove a waste product called bilirubin, causing a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, which can be a sign of a potentially serious liver disorder

Chronic Lung Disease

fluid in the lungs, scarring, and lung damage may develop, leading to ongoing problems

Infections

can develop because immature immune systems aren't able to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that may cause infection

Reading List

The Pregnancy Diet: A Healthy Weight Control Program for Pregnant Women, by Eileen Behan, R.D. (1999)

The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth, and Everything in Between (U.S. Edition), by Ann Douglas (2002)

The Pregnancy Journal: A Day-to-Day Guide to a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy, by A. Christine Harris, Ph.D. (1996)

When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect: A Layperson's Guide to Complications in Pregnancy, by Laurie A. Rich (1996)

The High-Risk Pregnancy Sourcebook, by Denise M. Chism, foreword by Eleanor D. Sabin, M.D. (1998)

When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy, by Barbara Luke, Sc.D., M.P.H., B.S.N., and Tamara Eberlein (2004)

 

This article appeared in the September/October 04 issue of the Women's Health Newsletter. Read the issue.

back to top