Babies who are born too early (premature) often have health problems, such as apnea. Apnea is when a baby stops breathing for a bit of time (more than 15 seconds). The baby may also have a slowed heart rate and a drop in oxygen in the blood.
Your preemie's immune system needs time to develop. During this time, germs that don't make you sick at all could make the baby very sick. So you need to give your baby extra protection.
Shaking a baby, even slightly, is very dangerous. It causes a serious problem called shaken baby syndrome. This can lead to major brain damage and death.
In the lungs, air travels through branching airways called bronchial tubes. These end in tiny sacs called alveoli. Sometimes alveoli rupture (break). This causes air to leak into the space between the lungs and the chest wall. These air leaks cause problems with breathing and can lead to lung damage.
Meconium is the sticky stool in the intestine at birth. When it gets into a baby’s lungs, the airways in the lungs become swollen. Here's what you need to know.
Many babies have mild anemia within a few months after birth. These cases don't need treatment. But your baby's anemia is more severe. It must be treated to bring the red blood cell count back up.
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It comes from a yellow substance called bilirubin. Here is information about phototherapy as a treatment for your newborn's jaundice.
Follow these special safety directions to keep your preemie safe and healthy at home.
In the NICU, the staff takes care of your premature baby's medical needs. But your presence is just as important. Read on to learn more.
Premature babies are at risk of ROP. This is a problem that can affect eyesight. ROP is the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the retina (lining of the back of the eye). In severe cases, the blood vessels can detach the retina from the back of the eye.