What are the common health problems most premature babies face?
Premature babies face a number of problems because their internal organs are not fully ready to function on their own. Some of the common health problems are: Hyperbilirubinemia This is a common treatable condition that affects about 80% of premature babies. Those preemies affected by hyperbilirubinemia have high levels of bilirubin, which is a compound that causes them to develop jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Preemies are monitored for jaundice and treated quickly before the bilirubin reaches dangerous levels. To help them eliminate bilirubin, jaundiced babies are placed under special lights. Apnea This health problem is caused by immaturity in the area of the brain that controls the drive to breathe. This problem results in an apnea spell in which a baby stops breathing, there is a decrease in heart rate and the skin turns pale, blue or purple. Gentle stimulation of the baby to restart breathing is how apnea is treated. In case apnea occurs
