Do premature babies usually start speaking later?
Jan 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, if a premature infant's organs have developed relatively well, there usually won't be a delay in speech development. However, if there are accompanying issues with underdevelopment of other organs, speech delays may occur. If a premature infant shows signs of physical discomfort, prompt medical attention is recommended. After discharge, parents should ensure the baby stays warm and avoid exposing them to cold temperatures.
Generally, if a premature infant's organs have developed relatively well, they usually do not experience delayed speech. However, if there are accompanying issues of underdevelopment in other organs, delayed speech may occur. If a premature infant shows signs of physical discomfort, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. No
For some premature infants, despite a shorter gestational period, if their birth weight is moderate and organ development is relatively mature, and if brain development is normal, they may begin speaking around the same time as full-term peers and gradually develop language skills. Therefore, delayed speech would not typically occur.
2. Yes
Other premature infants may face underdevelopment in various organs at birth, which could affect language development. For example, premature infants may have problems with the respiratory, nervous, or auditory systems. These conditions may interfere with language acquisition and expression, potentially leading to delayed speech.
After discharge, parents of premature infants should ensure proper warmth to avoid cold exposure, provide appropriate feeding according to the infant’s needs, and avoid overfeeding, which could increase gastrointestinal burden and lead to indigestion, diarrhea, or other discomforts.
