The birth of a child prematurely is always an event that causes concern for parents. However, premature babies have every chance of catching up with their peers in development if they are properly cared for. A normal pregnancy lasts from 38 to 42 weeks, and children born before this time are considered premature. According to medical standards, children born at 22-37 weeks and weighing more than 500 grams are considered viable.

causes of premature birth
Premature birth can be caused by various factors, both on the part of the mother and on the part of the fetus. Among the factors affecting the health of the mother, it is worth noting age (under 18 years or over 35 years), malnutrition, diseases, toxicosis, infectious diseases, as well as bad habits such as smoking, alcohol and drug use. Chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, as well as in vitro fertilization, can also cause premature birth.

On the part of the fetus, the causes of prematurity may be associated with abnormal development of the ovum, abnormal position in the uterus, or placenta previa.

Features of the appearance of a premature baby
When a baby is born prematurely, its appearance and the condition of its organs are very different from children born on time. The earlier the baby is born, the more pronounced the signs of prematurity. Premature babies usually have low weight and a thin build. They may have disproportionately large heads, small arms and legs, and thin, red skin. You can often notice short light hair on the back and shoulders, as well as large fontanelles on the head.

Another characteristic sign is a low-lying umbilical ring and a flattened tummy. The ears of such children are thin, they are easily wrinkled, and in boys, the testicles may not descend into the scrotum.

Problems with organs and systems
Premature babies often face problems associated with their organs and systems. One of the most serious problems is the respiratory system: such children may breathe unevenly, with breath holding. A child born at 6 months may need artificial respiration.

The thermoregulation system is also underdeveloped, since the subcutaneous fat layer has not yet formed. The baby easily cools down, and his body warms up slowly. For such children, special incubators with heating are used, where the temperature is maintained from 31 to 37 degrees.

The digestive system also suffers, since the muscles responsible for digestion of food are not fully developed. As a result, babies often spit up, experience bloating and pain, which is also associated with insufficient maturity of the intestines and liver, which can lead to jaundice.

how to care for a premature baby
Caring for a premature baby requires special attention and care. First of all, it is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room where the baby is, not lower than 25 degrees. It is important to regularly hold him to yourself to warm him up and create comfortable conditions for development. The kangaroo method, in which the baby is on the mother's chest, helps to establish contact and warm up.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for premature babies, as it adapts to the needs of the child and contains all the necessary elements for his growth and development. It is important that the mother continues to breastfeed the baby despite the difficulties. In some cases, if breastfeeding is not possible, special milk formulas for premature babies may be prescribed, which contain more calories and nutrients.

In addition, caring for the baby's skin requires care, as it is very delicate and sensitive. It is recommended to use special baby care products, avoiding frequent use of soap, so as not to dry out the skin. Massage and physical exercises performed by a specialist also help improve muscle tone and develop reflexes in the baby.

conclusion
Despite the difficulties that premature babies face, proper care and attention can significantly improve their health and help them catch up with their peers in development. It is important for parents to follow the recommendations of doctors, maintain contact with the baby and monitor his physical condition in order to provide him with the best conditions for growth and development.