Preterm babies require special care

Babies are considered premature if they are born more than three weeks before their due date. "Preemies," or preterm babies, are tiny and fragile and often need to help to breathe, eat and keep warm.

Some preterm babies cannot live outside of the womb, while others have physical and mental disabilities. Some grow up to be strong and healthy, catching up to full-term babies in size and stature after about two years.

Preemies may be more irritable than full-term infants. At times their special care needs can be overwhelming for new parents. Talk to your doctor about local support groups for parents of premature babies, and try to get connected to a network of people before bringing your baby home.

Preterm babies look different

Preemies are thinner and smaller in size than full-term babies. Premature babies often:

Weigh less than 5 ½ pounds.
Are red and skinny because they have less fat under their skin and their blood vessels are close to the surface.
Have yellowish skin (temporarily) due to jaundice.
Have organs that are not developed enough to function as they should.

Preterm babies may have medical complications

Depending on how early a baby is born, the degree of medical complications varies greatly. Babies born before 32 weeks of pregnancy are most at risk.

Common conditions preemies struggle with are:

Trouble swallowing. Preemies often need special feeding assistance because their swallowing reflex may not be fully developed. This typically requires that they be fed through a tube that is inserted into their nose or mouth and runs down into the stomach.
Low birth weight. Nutritional supplements are often administered to help build body mass.
Trouble breathing. Preemies often have trouble breathing on their own due to a condition called respiratory distress syndrome. A ventilator is used to help such babies breathe at first.
Jaundice. A substance called bilirubin builds up in baby's system and causes her skin and whites of her eyes to look yellowish.
Infections. In general, preemies are at a greater risk for contracting an infection due to their impaired immune systems.
Crossed eyes. This is more common in premature babies than in full-term babies. Often the eyes straighten out on their own as babies grow.
Trouble hearing. Premature babies are more likely to have hearing problems. Your baby's hearing will be tested prior to discharge.

Caring for your baby in the hospital

Preemies typically remain in the hospital until they reach their expected due date. Depending on the type of medical complications they have, their stay may last weeks or months.

Premature babies may be cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit, which is designed to provide an atmosphere that limits stress to the infant and meets basic needs for warmth, nutrition and protection to assure proper growth and development. Specially trained doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists take care of them.

A hospital can be a busy place. If you feel displaced with so many strangers caring for your baby, remember that no level of professional training can replace a parent's love.

Your baby will still need to hear your voice and feel your touch. You may be able to help feed him. The hospital staff will advise you about how much touch your baby needs or can tolerate, in the incubator or, eventually, in your own lap. The stronger your baby gets, the more you will be able to hold him and help with his care.