Every year 15 million babies are born prematurely due to many reasons such as multiple pregnancy, infection, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, genetic conditions.
The care of these babies, who are described as premature, requires sensitivity. Romatem Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Physiotherapist Şehnaz Yüce stated that this situation, which is the leading cause of child deaths under the age of 5, may cause serious health problems, and said, “The first year of age is very important, a living space close to the baby's environment in the incubator should be established. The obstacles that may arise due to the high risk factors make it possible to detect and intervene early, not to be overlooked, and to minimize their effects or prevent their occurrence without sitting on the body. That's why early rehabilitation plays a big role for the future ”.
Babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighing less than two and a half kilos are called premature babies. Although the exact cause is not clear, reasons such as multiple pregnancy, infection, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, genetic conditions play an active role in the rapid increase in the number of premature babies born with preterm birth. As they take an early step into the world, the care of these babies is also of great importance for their health. In this context, 17 November is celebrated as World Premature Day every year to raise awareness on preterm birth.
Causes the Death of 1 Million Babies
Stating that preterm birth is the cause of approximately 1 million deaths every year, Romatem Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Physiotherapist Şehnaz Yüce said, “Premature babies are more sensitive when they need to continue developing in the womb than they are in the outside environment. Postpartum respiratory failure, visual impairment, hearing problems, developmental delay, feeding difficulties, and cerebral palsy may occur. That's why these babies need special care and attention to grow strong and healthy. Monitoring the baby is of great importance. The family should be informed by competent persons (newborn doctor, pediatric physiotherapist and newborn nurse) before spending the first day with the baby who is discharged from the newborn intensive care unit. Detailed information should be given to the family about the baby's health, feeding, carrying, dressing, undressing, washing and positioning. In addition, it should be stated how the family should communicate with the baby and the environment, what points should be paid attention to regarding their movements ”.
Family Plays a Big Role in Treatment
Yüce continued as follows: “The babies and their parents, who have gone through a difficult process, may meet months later. Your family's role has a great impact on the health of the baby. If we cannot reach the family and cannot convey the necessary information, we cannot reach the baby. The family who encounters a new baby coming out of the newborn intensive care unit behaves very anxiously at first, how will he hold the baby and take care of him? and many more questions. While trying their best to avoid harming their babies, they act very carefully, slowly and seek professional help. We appreciate every step they have achieved by encouraging the family to do so. We conduct our meetings, especially when the mother, father and baby are together, that the mother and father should take part in the care of the baby equally. Since the care of the premature baby is difficult, we must ensure the active participation of the father in this process. "
Movement Advances Are Lagging
“Since a premature baby does not spend the last period in the womb, it takes a more relaxed position compared to normal babies. They cannot maintain their required position and move against gravity. They can mostly stand in frog position. Movement development is also lagging. Pediatric rehabilitation, on the other hand, is the regulation of the position of the risky baby in the follow-up, the development of the movement, the quality of the movement, its nutrition and the communication with the environment are evaluated and directed. "
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