Premature Babies Brooke Jensen

Introduction Preterm death is the leading cause of death among newborns. Prematurity is a growing, serious problem in our world today that should be understood. This discusses the causes for preterm labor, the health problems premature babies face, and the care that is done for these babies.

Causes Ruptured amniotic sac Mother’s overall health Substance Abuse Alcohol Smoking Drugs

Causes Malnutrition Health Problems High blood pressure Diabetes Kidney disease Infections

Causes Depression Domestic Violence Age Previous Premature Delivery Multiple Babies

Common Health Problems Respiratory Vision Infections Intestinal Skin Circulatory Neurological Developmental

Common Health Problems Respiratory Reduced lung function Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Apnea Bronchopulonary Dysplasia (BPD) Asthma

Common Health Problems Vision Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Poor vision by age 10 Infections Underdeveloped immune system Pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis

Common Health Problems Intestinal Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Skin Jaundice

Common Health Problems Circulatory Low blood pressure Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Anemia Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)

Common Health Problems Neurological and Developmental Cerebral palsy Autisim Chronic lung disease Blindness Deafness

Common Health Problems Developmental Cont. Low IQ scores Poor adaptive functioning Functional limitations Low reproductive rates

Care “In the United States alone, the annual cost of caring for preterm babies and their associated health problems is more than $26 billion a year.” – Preidt (2009)

Care NICU Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Gives baby an atmosphere of warmth nutrition, and protection Incubator Sensors

Care NICU cont. Machines hooked to incubators Artificial ventilation and oxygen New technologies Device for ROP

Conclusion In conclusion, as still the leading cause of newborn deaths, the growing premature birth rates should be taken seriously. Covered the causes, health problems, and care Prematurity is a growing, serious problem in our world today that should be understood.