One Little Miracle At A Time, No Matter How Small
What is Preterm Birth?
An estimated 13.4 million babies were born prematurely in 2020, representing approximately one in nine infants, or about 12 percent of all births, in the United States. Preterm birth (PTB), or premature birth, occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestational age, compared to a full-term delivery at around 40 weeks. PTB is classified into three categories: very early PTB (before 32 weeks), early PTB (32–36 weeks), and late PTB (34–36 weeks). Early term birth refers to deliveries at 37–38 weeks. Notably, late PTB accounts for 75% of all preterm births.
Reference: Ohuma E, Moller A-B, Bradley E, et al. National, regional, and worldwide estimates of preterm birth in 2020, with trends from 2010: a systematic analysis. Lancet. 2023;402(10409):1261-1271. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00878-4.
Development Milestones
Premature babies develop at a slightly different rate than full-term babies. Here is a guide to all the developmental milestones for preemies.
How to Take Care of Your Premature Baby at Home
Most premature babies can reach developmental milestones at a similar pace to full-term babies, though they may require extra care in the process. With time and the right support, they can thrive just like their full-term peers. Follow the tips in this video for caring for your premature baby at home, and continue consulting your doctor for guidance to support your baby's growth and development.
Nutrition and feeding
Premature babies often face high nutritional risks due to their increased growth needs, limited nutrient stores, feeding challenges, and underlying medical conditions. A Speech Therapist and Dietitian can assess your baby's feeding skills and nutritional needs, providing tailored advice. Nurses are available to offer guidance and support throughout your breastfeeding journey. Your baby will remain on a milk-only diet until they reach 4-6 months of corrected age, at which point they may be ready to begin weaning.
Impact of Premature Birth on Brain Development
Terrie Inder, MD, MBChB, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, explains the impact of premature birth on neonatal brain development. Preterm infants are at risk for learning difficulties later in life, with approximately 50 to 60 percent of them needing to repeat a grade by middle school. Dr. Inder highlights how brain imaging can help predict the likelihood of learning challenges, allowing for early intervention through therapy and support services to mitigate future difficulties. The environment also plays a crucial role in the brain development of preterm infants. Dr. Inder’s research explores the effects of auditory stimulation on neonatal brain growth. Her team found that infants exposed to environments rich in speech experienced greater language development compared to those in quieter settings. A follow-up study two years later revealed that children with more language exposure had nearly ten additional IQ points in language development compared to those from quieter environments.
Music Helps to Build the Brains of Very Preterm Infants
Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) have demonstrated that music specially composed for premature infants can strengthen the development of their brain networks and potentially reduce the neurodevelopmental delays that often affect these children.
Music Time with Your Baby
A music therapist from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shares some ideas for singing and reading with your preterm infant.
Innovative Music Therapy for the Brain Development of Premature Babies
Premature Babies Benefit From Music, Parents' Voices in NICU