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Running head : preterm babies

Preterm Babies

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Preterm Babies

Preterm babies are babies born too early and underdeveloped . Also called premature babies or preemies , preterm babies have not reached their full gestation period which is anticipated to occur between the 38th and 42nd week of pregnancy (Healthier You , 1980 . There are not yet any defined symptoms and causes of a preterm birth . Thus , there is no absolute way of diagnosing or preventing preterm births . Doctors can only identify a preterm baby once it has

been born and already exhibiting biological defects

Preemies experience numerous health complications . Having had insufficient time to mature in the womb , they are noticeably smaller than normal babies and commonly have lung and liver deficiencies . They come out jaundiced and have difficulties breathing (Healthier You 1980 . Preemies may have brain hemorrhage or internal bleeding that can cause brain damage in the long run . They are also susceptible to heart intestinal , and vision problems (Premature Birth , 2007a . Though most of these complications are treatable , there is no way to prevent the initial impact that may fatally befall the babies . Thus , it is important to treat premature babies as soon as they born . Their fragile states require them to spend the first few months of their lives in intensive care nurseries . During this time , they will be separated from their families and placed in the care of various doctors and nurses (Healthier You , 1980

This separation can have negative effects on the parent-child relationships such...