What medical problems are common in low-birthweight babies?
Low-birthweight babies are more likely than babies of normal weight to have health problems during the newborn period. Many of these babies require specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Serious medical problems are most common in babies born at very low birthweight. Can medical problems in low-birthweight, premature newborns be prevented? When a provider suspects that a woman may deliver before 34 weeks of pregnancy, she may suggest treating the mother with corticosteroid drugs. Corticosteroids speed maturation of the fetal lungs and significantly reduce the risk of RDS, IVH, necrotizing enterocolitis and infant death. These drugs, which are given by injection (a shot), are most effective when administered at least 24 hours before delivery. Treatment with tocolytic drugs to delay labor can give the health care provider time to treat the pregnant woman with corticosteroids. The provider also can arrange for delivery in a hospital with a NICU that can give specialize
