Introduction: A baby that is preterm is born before thirty-seven weeks gestation. About eleven percent of babies are born premature. Some babies are born so small that they could fit in the palm of your hand. There are babies that have survived being born as early as twenty-four weeks.

     Causes: The main cause for preterm labor is unknown. There are many risk factors that could contribute to a woman giving birth preterm. For example:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Infections
• Kidney disease
• Cervical incompetence
• Birth defects of the Uterus
• History of preterm delivery
• Poor nutrition right before and during pregnancy
• Preeclampsia
• Premature rupture of the membranes
• Age (younger than 17, older than 35)
• Lack of prenatal care
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, or amphetamines

  and many more

     According to march of dimes, “About 25 percent of premature births are caused by early induction of labor or c-section due to pregnancy complications or health problems in the mother and/or the fetus.” 

     All of the babies that are born preterm are at very serious risk for health problems. Although advances in technology and obstetrics and neonatology, have improved the chances for the premature infants to survive. The earlier a child is born the high the risk for more serious problems, they will weigh less and their organs will be less developed. 

     Reducing the risk: Taking folic acid is a great way to prevent certain serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. The best amount of weight for the average sized person to gain during a pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds. Seeking early and prenatal care is also a great way to reduce the risk of premature birth.  

     Feeding: Preterm Infants need to be fed at least eight to ten times a day. Do not wait longer than four hours because the baby may get dehydrated. If a preemie baby has six to eight wet diapers a day, then this will you show a parent that they baby is getting fed enough. Premature babies usually spit up after many feedings. When switching to solid food, it is better for the baby if a parent starts solid foods at four to six months after the baby's original due date (not the birth date). This is because it takes premature babies longer to develop their swallowing abilities.  

References for blog owner's posts:

 American Pregnancy Association. (2007, May). Retrieved October 18, 2011, from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/complicationspremature.htm

Broderick, Evelyn (2011, Oct). Physical therapy methods For premature infants. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/545484-physical-therapy-exercises-for- premature-infants/

Buckmiller, Karen M. MS, OTR/L (2007) OT in the NICU. Retrieved January 18, 2012, from http://www.dukechildrens.org/about_us/newsroom/occupational_therapists

Keep, Lynsey RN (2008). Longterm effects of oxygen therapy in premature infants. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from http://baby.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Longterm_Effects_of_Oxygen_Therapy_ in_Premature_Infants

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Nemours Foundation (2012). Folic acid and pregnancy. Retrieved January 19, 2012, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/your_pregnancy/preg_folic_acid.html

Parenting Made Easy (2009). What is infant occupational therapy. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from http://www.parenting-made-easy.com/tips/what-is-infant-occupational-therapy.html

Play based physical therapy Inc (2008-2010). Retrieved January 20, 2012, from http://www.playbasedpt.com/services.html

Sairam, T.V. Dr. Music therapy for premature babies. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from http://ayurveda-foryou.com/music/music4baby.html

Shears, Angela (2006, Oct). Massage therapy and infants. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/MassageTherapyInfants.htm