Prematurely Born Babies

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely across the globe each year (par, 1). Premature babies are those born before 37 complete weeks of gestation. They are classified into three categories i.e. extremely preterm, very preterm, and moderate to late preterm (World Health Organization par, 1). Extremely preterm babies are those born less than 28 weeks whereas very preterm are those born between 28 and 32 weeks and moderate to late preterm are born between 32 and 37 weeks (Gatta, p.1). As the number of prematurely born babies continues to increase across the globe, the survival of these babies is a major issue for public health professionals and mothers. The survival of prematurely born babies requires examining its contributing factors and developing measures to promote their health and wellbeing. This paper examines the similarities between prematurely born babies and how they affect their chances of survival and wellbeing.

Background of the Issue

Preterm birth remains one of the major issues facing a number of families across the globe. Currently, it is estimated that 15 million babies are born prematurely across the globe (World Health Organization par, 1). This implies that more than 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely worldwide. On the other hand, most of the prematurely born babies who survive end up having a lifetime of complications or disabilities such as visual problems, hearing difficulties, and learning disabilities. Additionally, prematurity is considered one of the major causes of death in children aged 5 years or less. There is a significant difference in the rates of premature births between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. 50% of prematurely born babies in low-income countries die because of a lack of feasible, cost-effective care while nearly all prematurely born babies in high-income countries survive. In middle-income countries, more than 60% of prematurely born babies survive because of suboptimal use of technology in healthcare during the neonatal period. Prematurity continues to be a major problem across the globe despite the fact that it is preventable in most cases.

While various public health initiatives have been undertaken to help enhance the survival of prematurely born babies, minimal efforts have been directed towards understanding the similarities between these children. Most of the existing studies focus on the psychological effects of preterm birth on mothers and families. Preterm birth incorporates a combination of biological and environmental factors that in turn affect the development of these children and their long-term survival (Ionio et al., p.605). These factors are deemed as the causes of developmental disorders in prematurely born babies. Examining psychological factors affecting the development of preterm children is essential for enhancing their survival.

Psychological Development of Prematurely Born Babies

Gatta et al. note that preterm birth not only generates psychological distress in mothers and families but also affects the childs psychological development (p.1). As evident in existing literature, parents and families of such children experience great psychological distress relating to parenting. The psychological distress is brought by the great suffering that these children experience in relation to their health and wellbeing. The psychological distress is worsened by the lack of an effective social support system for parents and families. This in...

…moderate to late preterm have no significant differences with their peers born full term on verbal intelligence, they still experience psychological development problems due to sensory or neuromotor impairment. However, some differences in the psychological development of preterm birth are less clear and unnoticeable though they still experience poor psychological development.

Ionio et al. note that the risk of deficit and delays in preterm infants is well-established in existing literature. Due to biological and environmental factors that combine during preterm delivery, preterm babies have poorer developmental outcomes, especially cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Preterm delivery is considered a risk factor for developmental disorders among infants. Preterm delivery not only generates negative developmental outcomes but also moderates the risk of developmental problems in the later stages of life. Children born prematurely exhibit weak social, emotional, and relational skills as well as problems in self-regulation. Poor psychological developmental outcomes in preterm infants are shown in poor behavioral and emotional self-regulation, poor social/relational skills, reduced attention, and emotional problems. However, prematurely born males exhibit poorer psychological developmental outcomes in comparison to females (Peacock et al., 305).

In conclusion, premature birth remains a major public health issue worldwide as nearly 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. As medical advances seek to promote the long-term survival of these children, their developmental outcomes remain a major issue. Existing studies have examined the developmental outcomes of these children in relation to enhancing their survival rates. These infants have poorer psychological developmental outcomes because of the effects of gestational age on their brain development. While prematurely born males have poorer developmental outcomes, preterm infants are…