Monday April 25, 2011
A Swedish study published April 18 in Pediatrics gives additional evidence to support the link between prematurity and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unlike previous studies, this one looked at a large number of children (1.2 million) and compared the risk of ADHD by gestational age. As expected, micropreemies and very premature babies had the largest risk for ADHD - but even late preterm babies were 1.3 times more likely to have ADHD than babies born at 39 or 40 weeks.
Although any pregnancy lasting longer than 37 weeks is considered "term," babies born at 37 and 38 weeks gestation also had a slightly increased risk of ADHD. That's just one more reason to put off scheduling a c-section or induction before 39 weeks.
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Tuesday April 19, 2011
I always love posting a preemie spotlight about an ex-micropreemie who's now a happy, healthy toddler. Thanks go out today to About Preemies reader Jennifer, who send in this story about her baby Brenden. Brenden was born at 25 weeks, and faced many of the challenges that other micropreemies face: a PDA ligation, ROP, apnea of prematurity, and more. He overcame his challenges, though, and has almost caught up on his milestones. Way to go Brenden!
We'd love to hear your preemie's story! You can share your preemie story here, or post it to the forum.
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Wednesday April 13, 2011
First words are a big milestone for any baby. The first time a baby says "mama" or "dada" is a memorable occasion, especially if your baby was born early. Parents of preemies often wonder when their baby will learn to talk, walk, or meet other developmental milestones.
In general, your preemie should learn to talk and meet other developmental milestones on time for his or her corrected age, or the age your baby would be if born at term. By age 1, your baby should be able to say "mama" and "dada," and should know 4 to 10 words by 18 months corrected age.
If you're worried that your preemie isn't learning to talk on time, talk to your pediatrician. Pediatricians are trained to recognize signs of developmental delay and to help families get treatment if needed.
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Friday April 8, 2011
The levels of NICU care can be confusing to parents, and many moms and dads wonder what the difference is between a level 3 NICU and a level 4 NICU. If you're confused, you're not alone!
Levels of NICU care are confusing because there isn't a standard set of definitions. Different states and hospital systems grade NICUs in different ways, and some don't recognize a level 4 NICU at all. These scales use level 3 NICU as the highest level, subdivided into level 3A, level 3B, and level 3C.
- The terms "Level 4 NICU" and "Level 3C NICU" always refer to a NICU that can care for the smallest and sickest of babies. They can provide high frequency ventilation and can do surgery when necessary. They may provide ECMO.
- A "Level 3 NICU" is a NICU that can care for moderately preterm babies and can provide CPAP and some types of mechanical ventilation. More complex care may also be offered.
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