Prematurity Awareness

Articles

Nov 1

The March of Dimes promotes Prematurity Awareness Month, an effort where they (and others) raise awareness about the risks and current concerns regarding preterm birth for both infants and mothers. According to The March of Dimes, “The U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth.” Their advocacy is aimed at fundraising and promoting policies that can improve the conditions for moms, babies, and families in the U.S. In an effort to promote awareness, we are highlighting more information about prematurity and how it relates to childhood developmental stages.

What is Premature Birth?

Premature birth is also referred to as preterm birth. Generally, this is indicated by the length of time of pregnancy. Babies born earlier than 37 weeks are typically considered preterm. In most cases, babies born earlier in the pregnancy prior to 37 weeks are likely to have a higher risk of disability or developmental difference. The severity and risk increase as the birth occurs earlier.

Often, the issues parents encounter when a baby is born preterm are commonly related to or a result of underdeveloped organs or areas of the body. Intestinal or digestive issues commonly occur, as well as struggles related to breathing and the lungs. These factors, along with low birth weight create risks for the infant’s life, as preterm birth is attributed to approximately 16% of infant deaths in the U.S. (CDC)

What are the Risks of Premature Birth?

The reason premature birth occurs is generally regarded as unknown. There are no specific genetic influences that will indicate preterm birth, and anyone can deliver a baby early despite having no known risk factors associated with the pregnancy. The risk factors for preterm birth include smoking during pregnancy, substance use, a pregnancy with multiple babies, previously birthing a premature infant, and a shorter time span between pregnancies (typically fewer than 18 months). Other risk factors are related to abnormalities in reproductive organs, diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood clotting problems.

Another consideration associated with preterm birth is the risk that it presents during childhood development. Preterm birth can potentially create a long-term problem of developmental delay. In measuring a child’s development, health experts look to their achievement of developmental milestones in most cases. When delays occur, it does not always indicate that a problem exists, as all children develop at different rates, but it can help parents understand what to expect.

Symptoms of Premature Birth

As with most health conditions and differences, there is a range of how mild or how severe or apparent symptoms are of preterm birth. The length of time of pregnancy will of course indicate whether a birth is premature, but there are other signs that indicate this related to the physical development of the baby. In many cases, the baby is born smaller than typical, often with a larger head which is not proportionate to the size of their body. Due to a lack of fat storage in the baby’s body, their features may be less soft and round, and instead much sharper. Fat storage also contributes to a baby’s body temperature after birth, which can be lower than typical with premature infants. Another symptom of prematurity is the presence of a fine layer of hair all over the baby’s body after birth. Issues feeding, breathing, or displaying typical reflexes also can help indicate a premature birth.

Typical Developmental Stages

Therapists assist in developmental monitoring, which helps parents understand the level to which their child meets or does not meet the typical developmental milestones in areas such as movement, behavior, play, speaking, and learning. Developmental screening is usually performed by an educational professional, healthcare provider, or occupational, physical, or speech therapist. The CDC has outlined childhood developmental milestones which are broken down by age, to help promote an understanding of how caregivers and parents can take an active role in monitoring their child’s progress.

2 Months

At or near two months of age, babies are typically able to hold up the weight of their head when they are on the stomach, as well as independently move their arms and legs. They also may open and close their hands. They may interact with you, such as smiling when you are talking to them, becoming calm when you speak to them, appearing happy to see you, looking directly at your face or a toy, or watching you as you move around. They will likely start to develop some communication, such as making other noises aside from crying.

4 Months

Around four months of age, babies start to gain more strength in their necks and can hold their heads up without support. They may be able to put their hand to their mouth, swing a toy around, grasp a toy that is given to them, or pushes themselves up to their elbows when on their stomach. Often babies will begin to display behaviors in an attempt to get your attention, such as making noises, smiling, or paying closer attention to you. Their senses around feeding typically grow, such as responding to a bottle or breast by opening their mouth. It is also during this stage that babies begin to notice and become more curious about their own hands.

6 Months

Typically at six months, babies can move around a bit more, such as rolling from their stomach to their back. They also may start to use their hands to keep themselves balanced while seated. Often, they begin to recognize other people and become familiar with faces as well as their own in the mirror. They may begin to express needs such as closing their mouth when they do not want food or reaching their arms and hands to grab something they want.

Developmental milestones continue past six months, outlined at nine months, one year, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 30 months, three years, four years, and five years. The CDC provides resources for understanding all of the developmental milestones as well as helpful tools like a checklist to help parents and caregivers take an active role.

Occupational, physical, and speech therapy can help children who are experiencing developmental delays in many areas. The goal of therapeutic intervention is to assist children to reach their maximum level of independence. If your child was born prematurely or has indications of a developmental delay, our team of talented and compassionate therapists can help! We currently serve the regions of Northern and Southern Nevada, providing mobile therapy in the natural environment.