Why do premature babies always strain?
Disease description:
My child is a premature baby, born half a month earlier than the due date. I've noticed that he always likes to strain. Why do premature babies often strain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Aiming
Premature infants often strain due to reasons such as an immature nervous system, transitions between sleep cycles, and underdeveloped digestive systems. For preterm infants, gentle touching or stroking can help support the development of their nervous system and improve neurological maturation. The sleep cycles of premature babies are typically shorter, with frequent shifts between deep and light sleep; thus, it is common for them to grunt and strain during these transitions. Additionally, premature infants have less mature digestive systems compared to full-term babies, which may also lead to body twisting and straining behaviors in newborns.
