How to care for premature babies after hospital discharge

May 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ma Yan

Introduction

Since premature infants have underdeveloped systems and weaker constitutions, they are prone to catching colds; therefore, enhanced warmth preservation is necessary. Breastfeeding is recommended for premature infants, as breast milk is easily digested and absorbed after feeding. Living quarters should be kept clean and tidy, and disinfected when necessary to prevent bacterial invasion. In addition, regular follow-up examinations are also important.

Generally, after discharge, care for premature infants includes enhanced warmth, careful feeding, and environmental care. The details are as follows:

1. Enhanced warmth

Due to their incomplete development and weak constitution, premature infants are prone to catching colds. Therefore, it is essential to maintain adequate warmth. Keep the room temperature around 25°C and humidity between 55–65%. Special attention should be paid to preventing chilling during diaper changes.

2. Careful feeding

Breastfeeding is recommended for premature infants, as breast milk is easily digested and absorbed. If there is insufficient breast milk or breastfeeding is not medically advisable, specialized formula milk can be used. However, the amount of milk and feeding frequency should be adjusted according to the infant's weight.

3. Environmental care

The living environment should be kept clean and tidy, with disinfection performed when necessary to prevent bacterial infections. Mothers should thoroughly wash their hands before breastfeeding or changing diapers, and all feeding equipment should be properly sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.

In addition, regular follow-up visits are important. If any abnormalities are observed in the premature infant, prompt medical evaluation and appropriate treatment based on examination results are necessary.

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What is the normal weight in pounds for an eight-month premature baby?

A premature baby at 8 months of gestation typically weighing around 4 to 5 pounds is generally considered normal. The exact weight depends on various factors, including genetics, maternal nutrition, and the fetus's ability to absorb nutrients. Since premature infants do not have particularly strong physical conditions, it is recommended to provide enhanced daily care. Additionally, mothers should improve their dietary nutrition to ensure sufficient milk production, which supports the baby's growth and development.

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How long does a 37-week premature baby need to stay in an incubator?

A 37-week-old infant is not considered premature and falls within the normal gestational range, so special care in an incubator is generally not required. However, if any abnormalities occur, the baby may need to stay in the incubator for about a week, although the exact duration may vary depending on each newborn's individual recovery progress. For any related concerns, it is recommended to consult a qualified physician.

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Can a premature baby's small head circumference catch up over time?

Whether a preterm baby's small head circumference can catch up depends on whether there is an underlying head malformation. If a preterm baby has a small head circumference but it is close to the normal range, and there are no other signs of developmental delay, the head circumference usually catches up over time with improved nutrition and supplementation of trace elements. However, if microcephaly is clearly present, it is typically due to chromosomal abnormalities, and in such cases, the head circumference is unlikely to increase significantly.

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Can a premature baby gain more than one jin (about 1.1 pounds) in a month?

It is generally normal for a premature infant to gain more than one jin (about 1.1 pounds) per month. Premature infants refer to babies born before full term. During this stage, due to the incomplete development of organs, weight gain may be relatively slow in premature infants. Therefore, gaining more than one jin per month is usually considered normal and does not require excessive concern.