Moms, the development of premature babies and babies born at full term actually has several differences. Premature babies are defined as babies born at less than 37 weeks of gestation, while normal babies are born between 37-40 weeks of gestation.

Because born prematurely, premature babies are usually born with LBW or low birth weight. Yes, premature babies are generally born weighing less than 2500 grams. Meanwhile, babies born at full term normally weigh around 2500-4000 grams. This is one of the factors that make the development of premature babies usually slower than babies born at full term.

 

Reported by Raising Children, the earlier premature babies are born, the more likely they will experience developmental problems. That's because there are some baby organs that are not fully mature when born prematurely.

Premature babies are at greater risk for developmental problems and breathing difficulties when compared to full-term babies. So that premature babies most likely need to get special care in the hospital for some time before finally being allowed to be treated at home.

 

 

Babies born prematurely must be assisted with an incubator or medical terms treated in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) room to get special treatment from the hospital. This aims to gain weight, learn to eat by coordinating sucking, breathing, and swallowing properly. It also serves to save the lives of babies who are born prematurely.

The following is a further explanation of the difference between the development of premature babies and normal babies.

Language development

Most likely the language development of premature babies tends to be slower than full-term babies. Those -- who were born prematurely may have more difficulty speaking and understanding what others are saying to them. Even so, there's no need to worry, Moms. If given the right stimulation, the language development of premature babies can go well.

 

 

Physical development

Most premature babies have distinctive physical and motor development. Besides weight, there are several things that make premature babies and normal babies different. For example, the condition of premature babies' skin looks smoother, thinner, and full of lanugo when compared to normal babies' skin. Blood vessels can usually be seen clearly.

In addition, the heads of premature babies also generally look bigger than normal babies. The cartilage in the earlobe is also easy to fold because it is not yet fully formed.

 


 

Regarding motor problems, around 40 percent of premature babies are noted to have mild motor disorders which include a number of things such as:

-Fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil

-Sensorymotor skills, eg picking up a full glass without spilling its contents

-Some premature babies have cerebral palsy --a brain disorder that affects movement, cognitive and sensory problems, and epilepsy.

Dental problems

Premature babies are more likely to have dental problems than full-term babies. Dental problems in premature babies include teeth erupting too late, a high arch or indentation in the roof of the mouth, and abnormal tooth enamel (tooth decay or damage to the enamel).

Social and emotional development

There are several social and emotional developments that appear to be typical of premature babies. For example, in the first year of life, premature babies usually do not like to interact with other people. They tend to turn away and they may become more irritable.

 

 

Pay attention to the corrected age

Most pediatricians recommend benchmarking for age. This is done by calculating the distance between the age of birth and the actual estimated date of birth (HPL) or known as the corrected age. Then subtract the baby's age from the number you get. For example, a 4 month old baby born 8 weeks or 2 months earlier, the actual age of the baby is 2 months.

Even though premature babies are likely to experience different developments from babies born at full term, you don't need to worry. Premature babies can catch up, as long as their parents are diligent in stimulating them. So, keep the spirit up, Moms!