Premature Baby Care Specialist

What is premature baby care?

Premature baby care is a pediatric subspecialty that cares for children born three weeks or more before their expected due date. A birth is considered premature if it occurs before 37 weeks (9 months). 

Babies born prematurely are more likely to experience medical issues and developmental delays. Receiving complete care from a team of expert pediatricians can reduce your child’s risk of potentially serious complications.

What are the signs an infant might benefit from premature baby care?

Your child might benefit from premature baby care at Academy Park Pediatrics if it’s born before its expected due date and experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Small size
• Feeding difficulties
• Need for respiratory support
• Difficulty sucking or swallowing
• Difficulty gaining weight

After you give birth at the hospital, your pediatrician assesses your baby’s birth weight, length, and head circumference. If your baby is preterm and is experiencing acute medical problems i.e. distress, they’re kept in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Can premature baby care reduce my child’s risk of certain medical issues?

If your child is born early, they must receive premature baby care. Regular checkups with the team at Academy Park Pediatrics, after discharge from the NICU, can reduce your child’s risk of various medical issues, including:

• Breathing issues
• Heart issues
• Brain issues
• Difficulty regulating temperature
• Metabolism issues
• A weak immune system
• Vision and hearing issues
• Developmental delays
• Behavioral and psychological issues

Children born prematurely are also more likely to experience chronic medical conditions like asthma and allergies.

What does premature baby care involve?

At Academy Parks Pediatrics, the team tailors premature baby care to each child’s needs. After a review of your child’s medical records, they might recommend:

Frequent Office Visits

Academy Park Pediatrics may recommend frequent office visits to monitor feeding, growth, development, and any medical conditions that have arisen due to prematurity. 

Immunizations

The team at Academy Park Pediatrics regularly administers immunizations to premature infants, as well as RSV prevention with Synagis, an injectable medication that prevents RSV in premature infants. Vaccines help bolster your child’s immune system, reducing the risk of infection.

To learn more about premature baby care, make an appointment for your child at Academy Park Pediatrics by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.