When you look ahead to a 9-month pregnancy and the baby arrives prematurely, you can find yourself taken aback in more ways than one. Beyond organizational upheaval – how? the stroller has not been purchased and the baby’s room has not been repainted? –, it is above all the question of infant health which concerns parents.
How to distinguish between premature and premature babies?
To say of a baby that he is premature, it must be born before 37 weeks gestation. Knowing that an ordinary pregnancy lasts 41 weeks, this calculation is established from the date of the last period.
In fact, as the day of the term depends on the cycle. This may have been irregular, we estimate the margin of reliable estimation to be more or less 5 days apart.
Average premature babies
Before 37 weeks therefore, we find the so-called category of average premature babies. This is the majority tranche, since it concerns 85% premature births. It is also the one that is the least worrying. Since, even if the infant is not considered "mature", he remained in his mother's womb until the 32nd week.
In the neonatal unit, the baby then spends a few days under the supervision of a pediatrician. It may, in addition, require a nasal tube feeding, to compensate for the manifestation of a swallowing disorder, or the absence of the sucking reflex.
It also happens that it is necessary to supplement the baby with glucose, due to the risk of hypoglycemia that average premature babies sometimes present.
Very and very premature babies
The second category is that of very premature babies and runs from 28th to 32nd week. Cared for in a type III maternity ward, these babies must benefit from the assistance of a neonatal intensive care unit.
Very premature babies
The main point of attention for these little ones, paradoxically called "big ones", is the breathing. In fact, their lungs are often not developed enough for them to be independent. So, it happens that they makeapnea of prematurity, that is to say breathing pauses.
However, these problems can be treated without causing any after-effects, other than asthma, occasionally. However, what is called a pulmonary dysplasia. That is to say, a chronic pulmonary disease which will be monitored over time. The vision and hearing of these children will also be closely monitored. And their neurological development.
Babies born very prematurely
Before 28 weeks of pregnancy, the situation requires greater attention. If the category of very premas concerns approximately 10% of premature babies, that of very premas is rare.
These children come into the world before reaching 6 months in utero. The emphasis is therefore placed on their continued growth, under medical conditions intended to recreate as much as possible the benefits of the mother's womb.
Let us keep in mind, however, that nature is well made. The major mutations in the embryo take place in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the umbilical cord, heart and brain are formed and it becomes a fetus.
Are there any causes favoring premature arrival?
Gestational diabetes
Among the potential factors for an early birth, we can cite: an anomaly of the uterus, the placenta, but also the manifestation of a diabetes in the mother, particularly gestational.
A infection can also cause prematurity. Furthermore, a traumatic event is enough, in certain cases, to cause a rupture of the pocket and, therefore, a premature delivery due to the risk of infection, precisely.
Listeriosis infection
Sometimes the cause is on the plate. In terms of diet, be careful to protect yourself from contracting listeriosis. This benign disease is caused by the bacteria of the listeria. Goodbye to raw meats, cold meats, seafood, raw fish and unpasteurized dairy products, otherwise you risk miscarriage or prematurity.
Indeed, although listeriosis is not serious for ordinary people, pregnant women are affected by it. particularly sensitive.
Multiple pregnancies
Finally, in the case of a multiple pregnancy, there is a chance of seeing your twins, or triplets, show up before the big day. Enough to challenge parents!
How to bond with your premature baby?
In summary, whatever the situation in which you may find yourself, the key word is to establish a parent-child bond. When your little one is placed in an incubator, we don't experience his birth as we might have imagined.
Of course, you cannot immediately take it into your home. He will not immediately meet his brothers and sisters, but creating a bond is possible. Currently, baby monitor type boxes exist to allow parents to talk to their child remotely.
Promote skin to skin
Above all, think about the importance of skin to skin. As soon as it is possible for you, and this applies as much to you as to your partner. Indeed, in premature infant services, everything is now done to reduce mother/child separation as much as possible, by promoting skin to skin… or naked skin with the dad!
This is how links and the notion of an attachment figure can be created and consolidated. The credo is to ensure the good health of your baby, and above all to enjoy his birth.
However, we must be vigilant about the child's psyche and consolidate even more the parent-child bond. A medical publication from our Belgian neighbors even establishes that very premature babies have more anxiety disorders and depression.
Create a calming environment and reassuring for your newborn
Try to create a calm and soothing environment around your baby's incubator or crib. Limit external stimuli, such as noise and light, to promote rest and relaxation. Premature babies can be sensitive to light, but when possible, look your baby in the eyes. This helps establish eye contact which strengthens the emotional connection.
Your baby can also recognize your smell. You can bring a fabric with your scent so that it is placed close to him to give him a feeling of security. And even if your baby is premature, he also recognizes your voice. Talk to him gently, tell him stories, sing him songs. This creates an important sound connection and allows reassure your baby.
In conclusion, the premature birth of a baby can be emotionally and physically challenging for parents, especially moms. Taking care of yourself after childbirth, including your perineum, becomes an important component of the process of postpartum recovery.
There perineal rehabilitation, with the appropriate support, offers a gentle and gradual way to strengthen this delicate area. Each birth being unique, it is essential to approach this care with an adapted approach and thus promote the overall well-being of parents of premature babies.
