Questions and Answers
What defines a premature baby?
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for premature labour?
What is one of the common problems associated with prematurity?
What is the management option for a premature baby?
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Which drug type is used to help prevent premature labour?
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What defines a term baby?
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What is a common complication of a small for date baby?
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What characteristic is associated with a postmature baby?
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Study Notes
Prematurity
- A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation is considered premature.
- The duration of a normal pregnancy is 40 weeks.
Risk Factors of Premature Labour
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease increase the risk of premature labour.
- Multiple pregnancy (twins) is a risk factor.
- Infections like malaria and urine infection can lead to premature labour.
- Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy increase the risk of premature labour.
- Pregnancy before 20 years or after 40 years is also a risk factor.
Problems of Prematurity
- Infections are a common problem in premature babies.
- Feeding problems can occur due to prematurity.
- Breathing problems can occur due to lung immaturity.
- Brain haemorrhage is a potential complication of prematurity.
- Jaundice can occur due to immaturity of liver enzymes.
- Premature babies may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
- Pauses in respiration can occur.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (infection of the intestines) is a potential complication.
Management of Prematurity
- Safe labour practices can help prevent complications.
- Protection from infections is crucial for premature babies.
- Adequate feeding is essential for premature babies.
- Keeping the baby warm is vital.
- Oxygen therapy may be necessary in some cases.
Prevention of Premature Labour
- Drugs such as tocolytics and steroids can help prevent premature labour during pregnancy.
- Good antenatal care can reduce the risk of premature labour.
- Managing chronic infections can help prevent premature labour.
Small for Date Baby
- A baby with a birth weight less than the 10th percentile of gestational age is considered small for dates.
- Placental insufficiency is a cause of small for dates babies.
- Chronic and acute infections, such as malaria, can cause small for dates babies.
- Chronic illnesses such as kidney disease and hypertension can cause small for dates babies.
Complications of SGA
- Hypoglycemia can occur in small for dates babies.
- Hypocalcemia can occur in small for dates babies.
- Early neonatal death is a potential complication of small for dates babies.
Postmature Baby
- A baby born after 42 weeks of pregnancy or 294 days is considered postmature.
- Genetic factors can contribute to postmaturity.
- Obesity can increase the risk of postmaturity.
Complications of Postmaturity
- Postmaturity can lead to difficult labour, prolonged labour, and birth trauma to both the baby and mother.
- The baby may have dry, thin, loose, and peeling skin.
- The baby may have long nails.
Term Baby
- A baby born between 37 and 42 weeks is considered a term baby.
- The average weight of a term baby is around 3.5 kg.
- The average length of a term baby is around 50 cm.
- The average head circumference of a term baby is around 35 cm plus or minus 2 cm.
- The average heart rate of a term baby is around 120 beats per minute.
- The average respiratory rate of a term baby is around 60 breaths per minute.
- Term babies typically have good tone and are active.
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Description
Learn about the risk factors and definition of premature birth, including chronic illnesses, multiple pregnancies, and more. Test your knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth.
