But First…

If your baby is born anytime before 37 weeks, she is a premature baby.

In fact, a baby could be born as early as seven months into the pregnancy. Your baby will have to remain in neo natal care till she has gained enough strength.

Common Medical Issues

• Jaundice

Child Specialist Dr. Deepak Ugra explains, "Most newborn babies are likely to develop mild jaundice in the early stages. However, premature babies are more prone to it."

Specific medication is usually prescribed as precautionary measures.

• Respiratory Problems

Since your baby's breathing pattern has not fully developed yet, he is likely to face respiratory conditions like Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Respiratory distress syndrome is the inability of the lungs to inflate while breathing in. Although this could happen to other newborns also, the chances are higher with premature babies.

However, Dr. Ugra explains that a premature baby is given adequate medication and oxygen in the neo natal centre in the initial stages.

Hence, by the time the baby has completed his gestation period, he will breathe normally. Also, just before delivery, you can get medication that will prevent your child to have this syndrome.

• Apnea

Many premature babies have apnea. Apnea is basically a result of the brain not having developed enough to send out signals to breathe. Here, a baby may stop breathing for a while and turn blue.

However, with adequate stimulation in the neo natal care, and medication, she can be completely okay.

At the end of this period, your baby's brain and other body parts will develop and gain as much strength as a full term baby.

• Anaemia

Anaemia also can be a problem with premature babies. This is because there are fewer red blood cells due to inadequate development.

Hence, oxygen supply to the baby's fragile body is also reduced. That is why premature babies are usually given iron supplements from the time they are one month old in order to bring up the levels of red blood cells in the baby's blood.

• Immune System

Your premature baby is likely to have a weak immune system. But as she grows up, her immune system will also become stronger.

According to Dr. Ugra, a premature baby should not be treated any differently from other babies. Hence, make sure you give the same foods you would give to any other baby who has completed her gestation period and had a normal delivery.

The only difference is, a premature child will need that extra care to make sure adequate she gets adequate nutrition and gain strength.