Understanding the Long-Term Impacts of a Premature Birth

A premature birth, occurring before 37 weeks of gestation, marks a challenging start for both baby and family. Alarmingly, the rate of premature births in the US has climbed to 10%, according to the WHO. While immediate medical concerns are often the focus, the impact of prematurity can extend far beyond those early days. 

This blog post aims to illuminate the potential long-term effects of premature birth. We’ll discuss how parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can provide the comprehensive support these children need to thrive.

Immediate Challenges of Premature Birth

Premature birth throws newborns into a world they’re not fully prepared for. It creates immediate challenges that demand swift medical attention and parental support. 

Breathing Difficulties

A premature arrival often means a baby’s body hasn’t had the full time it needs to develop, leading to immediate health challenges. One of the most common issues is Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). In a study analyzing 78 preterms, 51.3% developed this disease, where not fully formed, tiny lungs struggle to take in enough oxygen. This can cause rapid breathing, grunting sounds, and even a bluish tinge to the skin. 

Feeding Issues

Feeding can also be a hurdle. Premature babies may have difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing, making it a challenge to get enough nourishment. Specialized feeding techniques or tube feeding may be necessary. 

Developmental Delays

Development, too, can be affected. Premature babies may experience delays in motor skills, cognitive abilities, and language development. Early intervention programs and ongoing monitoring are vital in helping these babies reach their full potential.

Physical & Health Impacts

Beyond the immediate struggles in the NICU, premature birth can leave lasting marks on a child’s physical and overall health. It creates a lifelong journey of care and resilience.

Necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe problem that causes swelling and damage to premature babies’ intestines. Though its exact causes remain unclear, several factors, including immature gut development, compromised blood flow, and bacterial imbalances, are believed to be responsible.

While advances in neonatal care have improved outcomes, NEC remains a significant concern. Studies suggest it affects 5-12% of infants, with mortality rates ranging from 20-35%. It typically appears within the first few weeks of life, often striking the most fragile preemies. 

Symptoms can include a swollen or tender belly, feeding intolerance, vomiting, and blood in the stool. Early detection is critical, as NEC can progress rapidly, leading to complications such as bowel perforation, sepsis, and even death.

The devastation caused by NEC carries a profound emotional and psychological weight for families. Witnessing their tiny baby endure such a severe illness can be traumatic, leaving parents with feelings of helplessness and grief. 

In some cases, questions may arise about whether NEC could have been prevented or if medical negligence played a role. This anguish has spurred some parents to take legal action, filing the NEC lawsuit to seek accountability and compensation. They hope that by raising awareness and holding responsible parties accountable, they can prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak. 

These lawsuits often involve negligence claims related to feeding practices, delayed diagnosis, or inadequate treatment. As per the most recent update highlighted by TorHoerman Law, a Missouri jury has awarded $495 million in harm caused to the plaintiffs. The second NEC bellwether trial verdict includes $95 million as compensation and $400 million in punitive damages. 

Neurodevelopmental Challenges

Premature birth can have a lasting impact on a child’s brain development. The delicate neural pathways still forming in those early weeks are vulnerable to disruption. As a result, premature babies face a higher risk of neurodevelopmental challenges. These can range from motor difficulties like cerebral palsy to cognitive hurdles like learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD, with its difficulties in attention and impulsivity, can affect both learning and social interactions. A study shows premature babies are two to three times more likely to develop ADHD. This underscores the critical need for early identification and intervention to support these children in reaching their full potential.

Chronic Conditions

Beyond initial hurdles, preterm birth can also increase the risk of chronic illness. These conditions may require ongoing medical attention throughout childhood and even into adulthood. 

Lung problems are particularly common. It is a chronic lung disease that can cause breathing difficulties and frequent respiratory infections. According to Nationwide Children’s, around 10,000 to 15000 babies are diagnosed with this disease every year in the United States.

Vision problems, too, are a concern. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) involves abnormal eye blood vessel growth, leading to vision impairment or even blindness if not treated promptly. These chronic conditions often necessitate ongoing medical management, including medications, therapies, and frequent doctor visits. Families must embrace this commitment to ensure their child’s health and well-being.

Growth & Nutrition

Premature birth can significantly affect a baby’s growth and nutrition. These little ones missed crucial weeks or even months of development in the womb. As a result, catch-up growth becomes the goal that requires careful attention. 

A study highlights the importance of good nutrition early on for preterm. From the start, feeding them the right things helps them grow better, develop their brains, and stay healthier overall. Ideally, these babies should get breast milk, which has many benefits compared to formula.

Additionally, it is essential to start feeding them through their tummy (enteral feeding) early, especially with breast milk. Moreover, certain nutritional supplements help them grow and develop their brains.

Cognitive & Emotional Impacts

As premature babies grow, the effects of their early arrival can manifest in ways beyond physical health. Their cognitive and emotional development may also face unique challenges, requiring understanding and support.

Learning and Thinking

Learning and thinking can be a winding road for children born prematurely. The brain, a complex network of connections still under construction at birth, may face disruptions due to early arrival. These disruptions can lead to memory, attention, and problem-solving challenges, impacting a child’s ability to learn and thrive in school.

A study examined how well premature babies could switch their attention from one thing to another when they were 12 months old. It was found that preterms had trouble stopping themselves from looking at the old target, even when a new one was shown. This difficulty in switching attention was linked to lower cognitive development and problems with shifting attention when they were 18 months old.

Mental & Emotional Well-being

The emotional and mental well-being of premature babies deserves special attention. The early challenges they face, coupled with developmental and learning difficulties, can create a risk for anxiety, depression, and social challenges. Research indicates that preterms have 1.5–2.9 times higher chances of depression and 2.7–7.4 times of bipolar disorder. And have a 1.6–2.5 times higher likelihood of having psychosis.

It’s essential to recognize that these emotional and mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness or failure. They are simply part of the complex journey that premature babies and their families navigate. Seeking professional help from therapists or counselors specializing in childhood development and premature birth can provide crucial support and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the mother after a premature birth?

After a premature birth, the mother may experience a range of physical and emotional responses. Physically, she’ll recover from childbirth as usual but may have additional check-ups. Emotionally, she might feel a mix of relief, worry, guilt, or sadness, particularly if the baby needs intensive care.

Does premature birth cause problems later in life?

Yes, premature birth can lead to various complications later in life. Premature babies may experience health issues such as developmental delays, learning difficulties, vision or hearing problems, and asthma or cerebral palsy. The severity of these problems depends on how early the baby is born and the care received.

What is the behavior of a premature baby?

Premature babies often exhibit behaviors reflecting their underdeveloped nervous systems. They may have jerky movements, difficulty coordinating sucking and swallowing, and be easily overstimulated. They might also have trouble regulating their body temperature and breathing. Compared to full-term babies, they may sleep more and be less responsive to interaction.

Before You Go

Parenting a child born prematurely is a journey filled with unique challenges but also unparalleled rewards. These tiny warriors begin life fighting against the odds, and their resilience often becomes a lifelong source of inspiration. While the road may include medical hurdles, developmental milestones, and emotional ups and downs, the unwavering love and dedication of parents can make all the difference.

As they grow, premature children often demonstrate incredible determination, overcoming obstacles and carving out their own paths. The key is consistent support—whether through early interventions, fostering a nurturing environment, or simply celebrating every small achievement. Parenting a preemie requires patience, advocacy, and a willingness to adapt to their evolving needs.

It’s important to remember that no two journeys are the same. With advances in neonatal care and increasing awareness, premature babies today have more opportunities to thrive than ever before. As they grow into adolescence and adulthood, these children often exhibit strength and character shaped by their early experiences.

For parents, the path may not always be easy, but it is profoundly meaningful. Watching your child grow, thrive, and defy expectations is a testament to the power of love, care, and perseverance. The story of a preemie’s life is one of hope and resilience, and it serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary lives.

Know of a new mom and baby duo? Check out these amazing gift ideas for new moms.

If you have any concerns at all, please get in touch with your healthcare provider right away.