What problems do premature babies have?
There are many problems that a preterm baby faces during the first weeks. Most problems of prematurity improve as the baby grows. Respiratory problems Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) Many babies born prematurely have not yet started making a substance that helps keep the lungs open when breathing. Babies who have RDS need oxygen and need help with their breathing. A ventilator is used to help the baby breathe. Apnea Apnea means “forgetting to breathe”. Every small premature baby has some apnea. Apnea occurs because the brain is still immature. It improves as the brain matures. In the meantime, the baby is given help to keep breathing. Medicine (for example, aminophylline or caffeine) is given to stimulate breathing. A device called a nasal cannula or a nasal CPAP may be used to help give your baby extra oxygen and stimulate breathing. Sometimes the baby is put on a respirator, which breathes for her until she is able to breathe more reliably. Babies who are born 12 weeks or more pr
