Prematurity

The length of a pregnancy is on average 266 days, or around 38 weeks long. A baby that is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is described as having been born prematurely. During pregnancy, a baby grows and the organ systems develop. The more prematurely a baby is born, the more likely that he or she will be born a small size, with low muscle tone (floppy), have little body fat and with organ systems that have not developed as much as those of a baby who is born at full term.

Around 8% of babies are born prematurely. A baby may be born prematurely because of a medical condition affecting the pregnant woman, or because of factors related to the pregnancy or baby. In many cases there are no apparent risk factors for the premature birth.

Being born prematurely makes a baby more at risk from medical complications including:

• Difficulties with breathing including long-term breathing (bronchopulmonary dysplasia);
• Hypoglycaemia, or low levels of glucose in the blood;
• Anaemia, or low number of red blood cells;
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin;
• Retinopathy of prematurity, a condition which can result in blindness;
• Necrotizing enterocolitis, which is an inflammation of the bowel;
• Difficulty keeping their body temperature steady.

Some babies born prematurely will not suffer with any of these conditions. However, babies born prematurely should be carefully monitored after birth.  By looking at how premature a baby is and how well he or she is after birth, health care professionals can be guided on how intensively the baby should be monitored and for how long.

When making a decision to deliver a baby prematurely, one must weigh the benefits of delivery against the risks associated with being born before term. There are medications, called tocolytics, which can be used in certain circumstances to delay delivery where a pregnant woman has contractions before 37 weeks. This can help avoid the risks associated with the baby being born too early, including the risk of brain injury.

The potentially harmful effects of being born prematurely can also be reduced by medical care before and after birth. Medical care for babies born prematurely has significantly changed in the last 15 years. Some of the changes that can impact upon a baby’s health include:

• Giving a pregnant woman steroids if she appears to be about to deliver prematurely;
• Giving a pregnant woman magnesium sulphate shortly before delivering a baby prematurely;
• Treating babies born prematurely with surfactant, which helps them to breathe;
• Closely monitoring and ensuring premature babies maintain an ideal temperature after birth;
• Providing breathing support in the form of a ventilator if required.

When babies are in the intensive care unit, supporting families in the day-to-day care of their baby has also been shown to positively impact on the health of babies born prematurely.

Not all complications of being born prematurely can be avoided. However, if you have concerns over how your pregnancy was managed prior to giving birth prematurely or concerns over the care of your premature baby following birth then please contact us – we would like to help. We have a team of experienced lawyers and medical specialists who can review the medical care you received and help answer your questions. We will provide you with the information and advice you need to make informed decisions about your child’s future and ensure your child’s rights are protected. Rest assured – the consultation is confidential and free of charge.