Preterm Baby
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
A preterm, also known as premature or preemie, baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. A full term pregnancy is 40 weeks. Preterm babies are at risk for health problems. This is because their organs are not fully developed. Preterm babies often need help to breathe, eat, gain weight, and maintain body temperature.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- Your baby stops breathing or you cannot feel his or her pulse.
- Your baby cannot be woken.
- Your baby's skin looks blue.
Call your baby's pediatrician if:
- Your baby vomits more than 3 times in a day, or has trouble eating.
- Your baby is wheezing, breathing faster than normal, or grunting during feeding.
- Your baby's skin or eyes look yellow.
- Your baby has less than 4 wet diapers per day, or his or her head looks sunken in.
- Your baby's abdomen looks larger than usual and feels hard.
- Your baby cries more than usual or seems like he or she is in pain.
- Your baby has a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
- Your baby has a rash.
- Your baby has white patches on his or her tongue or gums.
- You see a bulge or swelling around your baby's belly button or any part of his or her abdomen.
- Your baby's skin around his or her feeding tube or oxygen becomes red, swollen, or drains pus.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Care for your baby at home:
Healthcare providers will teach you how to care for your baby before you take him or her home. Do the following to keep your baby safe and healthy at home:
- Prevent infection. Your baby will need several immunizations to decrease his or her risk for infections and diseases. Ask your healthcare provider how often your baby needs immunizations. Wash your hands before you touch your baby or anything your baby comes in contact with. Ask anyone who visits your baby to wash their hands. Do not take your baby to crowded places and keep him or her away from people who are sick. Do not let anyone smoke near your baby.
- Give your baby breast milk or infant formula with iron. Do this until at least 1 year of age, if possible. Introduce age-appropriate foods at 4 to 6 months of age.
- You may need to feed your baby through his or her feeding tube. Ask how, and how often, to feed your baby through the tube. You may be able to pump your milk and give it to your baby through the feeding tube.
- Feed your baby at least every 3 hours throughout the day and night. If you use formula, ask how to prepare it. Wash all bottles and supplies with hot water and soap. Let them air dry.
- Hold your baby upright to feed him or her. Be sure your baby's upper body is higher than his or her lower body. Do not prop your baby's bottle on a pillow or other object.
- Your baby may spit up after he or she eats. This is normal. Tell your healthcare provider if your baby spits up large amounts or continues to spit up throughout the day.
- Your baby should have 6 to 8 wet diapers per day. This means that he or she is getting enough liquids.
- Give your baby medicine as directed. You should know when to give your baby medicine, how to give it, and what the dose is. You should also understand what the medicine is for, and what side effects to look for. Ask how to give your baby medicine if he or she has a feeding tube.
- Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back. This helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Clear your baby's crib of toys and loose bedding. Put your baby to sleep on a firm surface. Allow your baby tummy-time as directed. Watch your baby at all times when he or she is on his or her tummy.
- Use medical equipment as directed.
- Oxygen increases your baby's oxygen levels. Care for your baby's skin around the oxygen tubing as directed. Make sure the oxygen tank is full. Keep the oxygen tank away from open flames. Do not let anyone smoke near your baby.
- A feeding tube and a syringe may be needed to feed your baby. Care for the feeding tube as directed. Clean your baby's skin around his or her feeding tube as directed. Wash all feeding supplies with hot water and soap. Let them air dry.
- Watch for your baby's progress. Your baby may take longer to reach milestones than full term babies. Ask a healthcare provider when your baby should reach certain milestones.
Get support:
Caring for your preterm baby can be hard. You may need help. Ask a healthcare provider about resources to help you care for your baby at home. Join a support group or talk with others who have delivered a preemie.
Follow up with your baby's healthcare provider as directed:
Keep all appointments for your baby. Your baby needs to be weighed regularly to make sure he or she is gaining enough weight. Your baby may need blood tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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