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Normal pregnancies last between 38 to 40 weeks. However, in some cases, the babies may be born at 34 weeks prematurely. These babies are called as preterm babies and several factors go into why some babies are born this early. Read further to know all about babies born at 8 months.
What Causes Childbirth at 34 Weeks?
There are many conditions why a premature delivery takes place. The following may be the reasons:
- Certain genital tract infections are known to cause preterm delivery. Bacterial secretions can weaken the membranes surrounding the amniotic sac causing it to rupture early or other complications that lead to preterm labour.
- Problems in the placenta such as placenta previa, placental abruption or placenta accrete.
- Having an overly large uterus in cases when pregnant with multiples or having excessive amniotic fluid.
- Having abnormalities in the structure of the uterus or cervix such as cervical insufficiency.
- An abdominal surgery during pregnancy to remove ovarian cysts, the appendix or the gallbladder.
Complications Associated with Babies Born at 34 Weeks
Here are some of the common complications that are seen in babies born prematurely at 34 weeks.
1. Jaundice
Jaundice is a common problem among preterm babies as they lack a fully functional metabolic system. Therefore, a by-product of the blood such as bilirubin accumulates in the body which leads to a yellow colour of the skin and eyes, which is commonly referred to as jaundice.
2. Anaemia
Anaemia is caused by the decreased number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. It is responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of the body which is necessary for all metabolic processes and growth. In a premature baby there isn’t enough blood pool to develop completely and hence the body is weak.
3. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
An undeveloped respiratory system in premature babies causes difficulty in breathing. They are also sensitive to environmental conditions and any change can trigger severe distress with the worst possible outcomes such as respiratory failure.
4. Apnea
Apnea is a disorder in which the body of an infant makes no effort of breathing; it is likely caused by the underdeveloped respiratory system. Babies suffer from it until their body matures and it is treated with medication and close monitoring.
5. Infections
Preemies are highly susceptible to infections due to their weak immune system. Since the mother’s body is no longer helping to fight off microbes, they are likely to suffer from illness than full-term babies.
6. Patent Ductus Arteriosus
This is an artery which joins the mother to the baby. It may not close properly after a preterm birth and lead to serious complications.
7. Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
This respiratory condition will require the assistance of a ventilator with the child having to be supported on it for weeks to breathe.
8. Low Blood Pressure
Preterm babies do not have a well-developed blood pool and network of blood vessels. Therefore maintenance of blood pressure is often difficult. It results in lowered blood pressure immediately after birth.
9. Necrotizing Enterocolitis
It is a devastating condition where the premature infant’s intestinal walls are invaded by bacteria. The infection caused in the underdeveloped wall can lead to its destruction and perforation resulting in the spillage of stool into the abdominal cavity.
How to Take Care of a Preemie Born at 34 Weeks?
A premature baby born at 34 weeks needs constant care at different stages. Here are some ways to take care of your little one after birth.
1. NICU Stay
Babies born at 8 months are looked after in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a few weeks where they can be closely monitored at all times. The NICU features transparent domes which allow you to look at your baby while letting in just the right amount of light. They also have tubes for feeding and breathing plus other things for different physiological conditions. The atmosphere inside the NICU is carefully controlled with the right mixture of temperature, humidity and partial pressures of gas which is ideal for the growth and recovery of the baby.
2. Feeding
Premature babies cannot be breastfed as their suckling response is still not well coordinated. They are fed through a body tube that goes to the baby’s stomach through the mouth. If they cannot be fed through the mouth, they are given vital nutrition intravenously. Mothers may be required using breast pumps to extract milk that is then fed to the baby. Breastmilk contains the right balance of nutrients and antibodies required by the baby. The baby may be allowed to breastfeed after its recovery and discharge from the NICU.
3. Bonding with the Baby
Physical interaction between the mother and the child is important for the well being of both. However, being unable to touch the baby when he is in an incubator will be a difficult experience for you. It’s only a matter of time before the baby will be out and you will hold him so that he will be able to register your voice and touch. Under the careful supervision of the doctor and nurse, you can go about feeding the baby and bond with him soon enough.
What is the Survival Rate of a Baby Born at 34 Weeks?
The highest infant mortality rates are among the preterm babies. Mortality rates decrease sharply with increasing gestational age up until full term. The good news is that the survival rate for moderately preterm babies is over 98% (16.2 deaths per 1000 live births). Therefore unless there are multiple severe complications, most babies survive.
How Long Does a Baby Born at 34 Weeks Stay in NICU?
All preterm babies are required to meet certain milestones before they can be discharged from the NICU safely. At 34 weeks their stay in the NICU can be fairly short, mostly it is expected to last up to 36 weeks of gestational age. The babies must be able to breathe, eat, and stay warm on their own. They might need help for breathing but feeding can take the longest. Their reflexes are not yet well coordinated and can make it difficult for the babies to get enough nourishment to grow.
However, after a few weeks in the NICU, most babies recover after being born preterm at 8 months.
