health
What to expect with
Preemie babies The idea of giving birth to a premature baby is daunting for any new parent. For the past 20 years I have been involved in looking after preemies in hospital and then following them up for a couple of years afterwards. It comes with huge ups and downs, not only for the parents but also for the medical personal. By Dr Hedi van der Watt, Paediatrician, MBChB DCH FCP
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n this article I will try to explain why premature births happen, what to expect while in the Neonatal Unit and what to expect when going home. Premature (also known as preterm) birth is when a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy has been completed. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of death or serious disability. • Late preterm, born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy • Moderately preterm, born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy • Very preterm, born at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy • Extremely preterm, born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy Most premature births occur in the late preterm stage.
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