How to take care of immature and underweight children?

Premature babies: About 30 percent of newborns in Bangladesh are born with low birth weight. These low birth weight infants have higher mortality rates from infections and other causes than normal birth weight infants. Babies who weigh less than 2.5 kg and are born before 37 weeks are called premature and low birth weight babies.

Causes of premature and low birth weight babies: Maternal malnutrition, anemia, early pregnancy, intrauterine infection, chromosomal abnormalities, high blood pressure, multiple pregnancies (two or three babies)

Problems that can occur in low birth weight newborns include:

Problems after birth

Breathing problems due to improper lung structure, Jaundice due to high bilirubin levels, Malnutrition, Low immunity, Heart perforation. 

Care of low birth weight babies in hospital:

Low birth weight newborns need to be kept under close observation by doctors and nurses in the hospital initially for their well-being. Due to the improper structure of the lungs of low-weight newborns, breathing difficulties may appear in many cases after birth. During this time in the hospital, with the help of a ventilator, arrangements have to be made to keep the breathing going temporarily.

Most low birth weight babies have high bilirubin levels. These bilirubin levels are indicative of jaundice. This type of jaundice in children is treated with phototherapy ie exposure to light.

 Care after bringing home:

When the baby becomes normal in the hospital and learns to breastfeed like other babies and the baby gains weight, it is brought home from the hospital. Keep the baby in a well ventilated area. Care should be taken to ensure that the room temperature is normal.

 Keep track of the baby's growth.

A baby's stomach is very small after birth. As a result, cannot eat large amounts at once. Therefore, the baby should be fed frequently. In particular, milk should be given (if it can be eaten). This is because it contains many disease-fighting components, along with being a great source of energy in a small amount of milk. Colostrum is called infant vaccination. 

Take vitamins and other nutritional supplements.

Immature and underweight babies need extra vitamins and minerals (mineral salts) for growth. Not all of it is available from breast milk. As a result, doctors prescribe certain vitamins and minerals. They should be fed regularly. These include folic acid, iron, and multivitamins.

 Prevent infection.

Newborn babies are very susceptible to infection. That's why you have to be careful. The first task would be to ensure the cleanliness of those who will hold the baby. Hands should be washed or cleaned with hand sanitizer before holding the baby. Fingernails should be cut short. Along with this, children should be kept away from sick people.

Later problems

Bone problems, eye problems, stunted growth and development, nerve problems like cerebral palsy that lead to disability.

When to take the child to the doctor?

1. If the child stops eating.

2. When shortness of breath begins.

3. If there are any sores/wounds on the body.

4. If the scalp is swollen.

5. If you have a seizure.

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