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Questions and Answers
What defines a premature baby?
What defines a premature baby?
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for premature labour?
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for premature labour?
What is one of the common problems associated with prematurity?
What is one of the common problems associated with prematurity?
What is the management option for a premature baby?
What is the management option for a premature baby?
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Which drug type is used to help prevent premature labour?
Which drug type is used to help prevent premature labour?
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What defines a term baby?
What defines a term baby?
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What is a common complication of a small for date baby?
What is a common complication of a small for date baby?
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What characteristic is associated with a postmature baby?
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.
