Prematurity

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#Prematurity

Prematurity occurs when a baby is born more than three weeks before he/she is due (or before 37 completed weeks of gestation). A mother may go into preterm labor for a variety of reasons, such as health conditions, pregnancy-related problems or other factors (like age of the mother). However, often the cause is unknown. Depending on how early the baby was born, there can be a number of complications and risks resulting from a premature birth. A baby born prematurely may have trouble breathing or maintaining a constant body temperature. Other symptoms may include anemia, internal bleeding, infection, low blood sugar, jaundice or intestinal inflammation. Prematurity can be life-threatening and is the number one cause of death in infants. Getting early and good prenatal care may reduce the risk of a premature birth, but there is no surefire way to prevent it. Although premature labor cannot be stopped, the birth will be labeled “high-risk” and the baby will be admitted to a high-risk nursery for very close monitoring. An infant may be placed in an incubator or given a feeding tube and kept in the hospital for weeks or months until all of their organs have developed enough to keep them alive without medical support. Prematurity can be a very scary and stressful time for the new mother and the rest of the family. They often have to cancel all of their daily activities in order to be in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) with their baby. All of the time spent and treatments performed in NICU can take a huge emotional - and financial- toll on the new parents. It is also an incredibly difficult time for the infant, as they must fight for his/her life every minute of every day. However, leaving the NICU does not mean that prematurity is finished. Prematurity can have long-term effects on the infant’s development and may cause future medical or behavioral problems. It can permanently alter the lives of both the baby and the baby’s family. There are many organizations that provide the families of premature infants with assistance, information and resources. Support groups are also prevalent and can be helpful for families coping with the stress and grief of a premature birth.

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C.M. Boyle

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@courageous-clair

waveoflight2023 1y

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🕯️Wave of Light 2023🕯️

Nothing can ease the pain & devastation that comes with pregnancy & infant loss. Today we remember all the precious souls too wonderful for earth & the loved ones they have left behind.

#waveoflight2023 #Miscarriage #Infertility #Prematurity #ChildLoss #Grief

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A premature baby lies on a man's chest and grips the man's finger.

Sarah Zellner

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Prematurity

Why Considering Adjusted Age Is Important for Premature Babies' Milestones

I want to share something important about prematurity that a lot of people do not realize. Early birth does not fast-track a baby’s brain development. It doesn’t fast-track anything for that matter. If anything, it can slow down development. Premature babies are given two different ages. They have an actual age based on the day [...]

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The author, a man with black hair and eyes wearing blue scrubs stands in the hospital alongside a woman in blue scrubs.

Neil

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Prematurity

A Day in My Life as a Doctor for 'Miracle Babies' in the Neonatal Hospital Unit

Today is a typical working day in the tertiary level neonatal unit where I look after all sorts of “miracle babies.” Some premature babies weigh just 485 grams. That’s correct: a birth weight of half a kilogram! Some are ventilated long-term, and some struggle hard to keep their heart beating — holding onto life through [...]

Story

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To the Mama Spending This Mother's Day With Her Baby in the NICU

To the mother sitting bedside in the NICU, I know this is not how you envisioned Mother’s Day. I know right now it hurts. There is no breakfast in bed, morning snuggles, or cuddling your little miracle all day while you gaze into their eyes wondering how you ever got so lucky. Instead, you woke [...]

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Dixie Roach-Foxton

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Cerebral Palsy

Why I Didn't Ask 'Why Me?' When My Daughter Was in the NICU

My daughter has cerebral palsy. I remember her birth like it was yesterday. I was standing in a room full of isolettes. My baby was in one of them with wires and tubes attached to her frail, little body. Determined to document what the medical staff said, I kept a journal for her first 121 [...]

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Kaden M (he/they)

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Sensory Processing Disorder

I Don't Judge My Sensory Processing Disorder

If you are a parent of a child with sensory processing disorder, this article might help you. That being said, this piece is not just for you. It is also for the adults out there who have always struggled with regulating their senses, both diagnosed and undiagnosed with sensory issues, also known as sensory processing [...]

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Mighty Leader

Tylia Flores

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@tyliaflores

CerebralPalsy 3y

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Happy prematurity world awareness day #CerebralPalsy

Happy prematurity world awareness day when I was born I weighed 2 lbs. 3 oz.

Later on at the age of three, I was diagnosed officially with spastic dysplasia #CerebralPalsy

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debracassell7

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@debracassell7

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Miracle Boy #Infertility #ChildLoss #Miscarriage #Arthritis #ADHD #Prematurity #MightyBookClub #ChronicPain #Autism

Fall day with my big guy. He started out fitting in one hand as a 1 lb 13 oz preemie. Now, he’s taller than mommy ❤️🙏 God is good. 🙏
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instagram.com/sammie_the_salmon_mypreemie

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LetsMakeNewFriends 3y

I hate Chronic Pain and Sickness, it never goes away, I had to call in to work because I just can't go, the pain is pulsating, I just want to be normal, if it isn't one thing with us, it's another, my body is GOING to make me rest, I noticed the other day how much standing hurt, I try and overlook my pain and sickness and be ok, and fine, but, I'm not and NEVER am.

***Just looking for support and
care***

I have
Congenital Hydrocephalus,
Retinaopathy of Prematurity
Hypertonia
Chronic Knee, Ankle, Shoulder Pain
2 L5 S1 Discectomies
Diverticulitis
Essential Tremors
Groin Pain

#spoonie
#suppport
#care
#LetsMakeNewFriends
#themightylife
#HighlysensitivePerson
#ThePainGame
#MightyTogether
#noshame
#CheerMeOn
#MightyMinute
#ChronicFatigueSyndrome
#CheckInWithMe
#TheNeurodiverseCrowd
#DistractMe
#AloneTogether
#liftmeup
#MultipleHealthChallenges
#Chatspace
#FamilyAndFriends
#EssentialTremor
#Insomnia
#lonely
#weare #MightyTogether
#Lonliness
#friendships