Reproduction (NAS, Hyperbilirubinemia, IDM, Preterm Infant)

Because of the immature development of the kidney, the nurse needs to assess preterm infants for what condition? A) Metabolic acidosis B) Metabolic alkalosis C) Respiratory acidosis D) Respiratory alkalosis

Answer: A Explanation: A) The buffering capacity of the kidney is reduced in a preterm infant, predisposing the neonate to metabolic acidosis. Bicarbonate is excreted at a lower serum level, and acid is excreted more slowly. Therefore, the neonate is at higher risk for metabolic acidosis than metabolic alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis would be due to changes in lung physiology, not kidney physiology.

A premature newborn's neuronal immaturity may contribute to what complication? A) Apnea of prematurity B) Patent ductus arteriosus C) Respiratory distress syndrome D) Anemia of prematurity

Answer: A Explanation: A) Apnea of prematurity is primarily a result of neuronal immaturity, causing irregular breathing patterns and cessation of breathing for 20 seconds or longer in preterm infants. PDA, respiratory distress syndrome, and anemia of prematurity have other etiologies related to the premature development of the neonate.

The nurse is instructing a new mother on how to care for the newborn's circumcision site. Which statements indicate that the nurse's education session was effective? Select all that apply. A) "I should not use petroleum jelly on the penis." B) "Every time I change the diaper I am to wash the area with warm water." C) "I should report any pus drainage or change in diaper wetness to the physician." D) "Swelling is expected." E) "I am to use soap and water to remove yellow tissue on the penis."

Answer: B, C Explanation: A) The nurse should instruct the mother to wash the area with warm water after every diaper change, to use petroleum jelly to protect the penis and prevent bleeding, and to report any pus drainage or change in urine output to the physician. Yellow tissue on the penis is granulation tissue, which is evidence of healing and should not be washed off with soap and water. Swelling is not expected after a circumcision and should be reported to the physician.

When administering an intramuscular dose of vitamin K (phytonadione) to a newborn, which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply. A) Using a 23-gauge 1/2-inch needle B) Cleaning the skin with an alcohol swab C) Preparing 5 mg of the medication for injection D) Using the middle third of the vastus lateralis muscle E) Washing the skin with soap and water

Answer: B, D Explanation: A) A single dose of vitamin K (phytonadione) is administered to newborns within 1 hour of birth. The nurse should use the middle third of the vastus lateralis muscle, clean the skin with an alcohol swab, and use a 27-gauge 1/2-inch needle. The skin is not to be washed with soap and water before the injection. The medication dosage is between 0.5 and 1.0 mg.

The nurse is assessing a premature newborn who is being cared for in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Which assessment finding indicates the newborn is experiencing respiratory distress? A) Acrocyanosis B) Respiratory rate of 58 breaths per minute C) Substernal and intercostal retractions D) Abdominal breathing

Answer: C Explanation: A) A premature newborn who is experiencing retraction may indicate respiratory distress. Acrocyanosis, a respiratory rate of 58 breaths per minute, and abdominal breathing are considered normal assessment findings in the premature newborn.

The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a first-time mother and her baby. Which statement is appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching session? A) "Your baby's stools will change to a dark green color when your milk comes in." B) "Your baby may spit up frequently for the first few weeks." C) "Compress the bulb syringe before placing it in your baby's nose or mouth." D) "You can wipe away any green drainage that might form around the umbilical cord."

Answer: C Explanation: A) A bulb syringe is often used to suction excess secretions from the baby's nose and mouth. The bulb syringe should be compressed before placing it gently in the baby's nose or mouth. Stool color is often seedy and yellow or golden brown in color when breastfeeding. The baby may spit up frequently in the first day or two, but this should not continue for several weeks. Green drainage from the umbilical cord is abnormal and should be reported to the baby's provider.

Which factor contributes to increased respiratory complications in the preterm infant? A) Increased constriction of blood vessels B) Decreased prostaglandin E levels C) Absence of muscular coat on pulmonary blood vessels D) Inadequate surfactant

Answer: D Explanation: A) The preterm neonate is unable to produce adequate amounts of surfactant in the lungs, decreasing compliance and increasing the pressure needed to expand the lungs with air. Collapsed alveoli do not facilitate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, leading to hypoxia, inefficient pulmonary blood flow, and energy depletion. In preterm infants, the muscular coat on pulmonary blood vessels is incompletely developed, not absent, leading to decreased constriction of blood vessels. Prostaglandin E levels are increased, not decreased.

The nurse is monitoring the intake and output for a preterm infant. Which action by the nurse indicates correct assessment technique when monitoring urine output? A) Document "unable to obtain" on the graphic sheet. B) Apply an external condom catheter. C) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. D) Weigh diapers using the estimate that 1 mL = 1 gram of weight.

Answer: D Explanation: A) Weight change is one of the most sensitive indicators of fluid balance. Weighing diapers is the intervention used to accurately measure the output of an infant. The estimate is that 1 g of diaper weight is equal to 1 mL of fluid. The nurse should not insert an indwelling urinary catheter or apply an external condom catheter on the infant. Documenting "unable to obtain" on the graphic sheet does not support the need to accurately measure the infant's output.

The mother of a preterm infant tells the nurse that she was not looking forward to having a baby and now that the baby is sick, she feels worse. Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate based on this data? A) Parental Role Conflict B) Impaired Parenting C) Dysfunctional Family Processes D) Compromised Family Coping

Answer: D Explanation: A) Compromised Family Coping is the nursing diagnosis most appropriate for this situation at this time because the mother is expressing anger and guilt at having given birth to a premature baby. Parental Role Conflict is seen if the role of parent is in conflict with other expectations. Impaired Parenting is seen if the mother is unable to fulfill the role of mother to the baby. Dysfunctional Family Processes is seen if the addition of a baby leads to the family's inability to function as a family

The nurse receives shift change report on infants born within the last 4 hours. Which newborn should the nurse assess first? A) Newborn born at 37 weeks' gestation. Respiratory rate of 45 breaths per minute. B) Term newborn, 2 hours old, who has not passed a meconium stool. C) Term newborn born 3 hours ago. Heart rate is 150 beats per minute. D) Term newborn born 1 hour ago who is exhibiting grunting respirations.

Answer: D Explanation: A) Grunting respirations are an indication of respiratory distress. This infant needs further assessment and possibly immediate intervention. A normal respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths per minute. A normal pulse is 110-160 beats per minute. If a meconium stool is not passed within the first 24 hours, this would be cause for concern.

Breastfeeding's for preterm infants

Giving your premature baby your breast milk benefits their health as well as yours. Breast milk: helps protect your baby from infections, particularly of their gut - premature babies are more likely to get infections. contains hormones, nutrients, and growth factors that help your baby to grow and develop. However, for preterm infants breastfeeding may be a challenge, and due to their immature physiological and neurodevelopmental systems, they encounter several problems. Depending on their gestational age they have a weak suck and difficulty of breathing and swallowing coordination.

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDM)

High levels of maternal glucose crossing placenta, stimulating increased fetal insulin production leading to somatic fetal growth

Extra-uterine Life

The placenta supplies the fetus with oxygen and nutrients essential for its growth and development. Normal and abnormal adaptation to extrauterine life including vital signs, temperature regulation, weight loss, stool and urine patterns and glucose homeostasis are described, and suggested management of newborns with common prenatal ultrasound findings is provided.

Bottle feeding for preterm infants

Whether you give breastmilk or formula in a bottle, you should use a slow flow bottle nipple designed for premature infants. These bottle nipples help prevent your baby from getting more liquid than they can handle at once. Most premature babies will use a special formula designed for preterm babies

preterm infants

infants who are born prior to 38 weeks after conception (also known as premature infants). the major problem of the preterm newborn is the variable maturity of all systems. There is a degree of immaturity that depends on the infant's gestational age.

How does preterm newborn impact thermoregulation?

Babies can lose heat rapidly, as much as four times more quickly than adults. Premature and low-birthweight babies usually have little body fat and may be too immature to regulate their own temperature, even in a warm environment.The smaller or more premature the newborn is, the greater the risk of heat loss. When heat loss exceeds the newborn's ability to produce heat, its body.

Risks of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

1. Some drugs more likely to cause withdrawal, but nearly all can have adverse effects on the fetus. Includes prescription. Includes prescription narcotics 2. Women who use drugs are less likely to seek prenatal care or follow a proper diet; they are more likely to deliver preterm and have a baby with birth defects. 3. Long term negative outcomes include learning and behavior problems, slower growth, and lower IQ.

Assessment of a newborn with Neonatal Abstinence Withdrawal

1. A comprehensive prenatal and drug history is necessary, toxicology screens during pregnancy for mother. urine and meconium DOA screens for baby. 2. Symptoms of NAS can start as early as 24-48 hrs. or as late as 5-10 days. 3. Most facilities now require mandatory 5 day observation stays for all NAS babies.

Assessment of Child with Neonatal Withdrawal Symptoms

1. CNS Dysfunction- Tremors, hypersensitivity, irritability, abnormal cry patterns, restlessness, seizures (late) 2. Metabolic, Vasomotor and Respiratory Disturbances- resp. distress, fever, seizures, yawning/sneezing, sweating 3. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, GI disturbances, loose water stools

Risks of Hypoglycemia

1. Lethargy 2. Temp. Instability 3. Apnea 4. Difficult feeding 5. Potential need for IV 6. Brain injury

Risks for IDM

1. Macrosomia 2. Stillbirth 3. Hypoglycemia 4. Birth injury 5. Respiratory distress

Assessment of IDM: Characteristics of IDM

1. Macrosomic- from high level of maternal glucose 2. Ruddy in color 3. Excessive adipose tissue 4. Large umbilical cord and placenta 5. Decreased total body water

At birth, the newborn needs to transition to extra-uterine life. hat are some examples of this?

1. Maintain body heat 2. Initiate respiratory function 3. At risk for infection 4. Requires appropriate nutrition and hydration

Assessment of Hyperbilirubin

1. Observe the skin, mucous membrane, and sclera for jaundice 2. Monitor vitals signs 3. Blood group and rH factor 4. Assess risk factors 5. Monitor I &Os 6. Obtain TCB and/or serum bilirubin 7. Bilitool.org

Interventions for newborns with Hyper bilirubin

1. Phototherapy as ordered (lamp/blanket) 2. Eye mask and diaper only 3. Remove only for feedings and blood draws 4. Monitor VS and assess light intensity 5. Observe newborn for effects of phototherapy 6. Encourage parents to interact with infant when lights are off. 7. Labs (repeat bilirubin, retic, liver tests as ordered)

Risks: Factors that causes Jaundice in Newborns

1. Polycythemia: a blood disorder occurring when there are too many red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs through the blood stream to the rest of the body. The excess red blood cells cause the blood to increase in volume and thicken, keeping it from flowing easily 2. Blood Incompatibility 3. Cephalohematoma or bruising 4. Poor feeding 5. Prematurity 6. Infection 7. Delayed cord clamping: that doctors don't immediately clamp and cut the umbilical cord. Instead, they allow extra time for the blood in the cord and placenta to flow to the baby 8. Sibling History 9. Delayed Meconium 10. Trisomy 21: Down Syndrome (is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome. Most babies inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent, for a total of 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome however, end up with three chromosomes at position 21, instead of the usual pair.)

Patho/Etiology of Jaundice

1. Result of an underlying problem 2. Usually caused by a blood group incompatibility or infection, can be result of RBC disorders. 3. Will be clinically seen at birth or within 24 hours of birth.

Interventions for Child with Neonatal Withdrawal Symptoms

1. Rooming-in/frequent contact with parents 2. Skin-to-skin, holding, soothing 3. Swaddling 4. Quiet, non-stimulating environment 5. Monitoring of caloric intake If withdrawal S/S become severe/ NAS score is high, medications can be used: 1. Morphine, methadone and/ore phenobarbital 2. Minimal dosing, until less symptomatic 3. Wean medication while continually monitoring scores

Interventions for IDM

1. Screen: For risk of IDM/Hypoglycemia 2. Monitor: for hypoglycemia S/S, respiratory distress, birth trauma 3. Monitor: blood glucose closely, follow facility protocol 4. Provide: early and frequent feedings 5. Maintain: Neutral thermal environment to reduce energy needs

A client delivers a newborn son and plans to breastfeed. When the nurse attempts to help the newborn latch on for breastfeeding, the client states, "I would like to bottle feed my baby for the first few days." Which reason might the nurse hear regarding why the client wants to delay breastfeeding? A) Colostrum is bad for the baby. B) The birthing process spoils breast milk. C) It will cause "evil eye." D) Newborns require feeding on demand.

Answer: A Explanation: A) Some Asian, Haitian, Hispanic, Eastern European, and Native American cultures believe breastfeeding should be delayed because colostrum is bad for the baby. A Haitian client may believe that strong emotions, not the birthing process, spoil breast milk. Some Latin American cultures do not believe that breastfeeding causes evil eye but rather that touching the head or the face of the baby when admiring it will ward off the "evil eye." Many Cambodian refugees practice breastfeeding on demand or provide a comfort bottle between feedings.

The nurse is proving care to a 1-hour-old newborn who was born at 39 weeks' gestation. Which assessment data is cause for concern? Select all that apply. A) Respiratory rate of 82 breaths per minute B) Negative Babinski reflex C) Mean blood pressure of 52 mmHg D) Acrocyanosis E) Presence of soft heart murmur

Answer: A, B Explanation: A) Assessment data that would cause this nurse concern include a respiratory rate of 82 breaths per minute and a negative Babinski reflex. Respirations within 2 hours of delivery are expected to be between 60 and 70 breaths per minute but can be as high as 80 breaths per minute. Anything above this is abnormal. A positive Babinski reflex is an expected finding. A negative Babinski could indicate neurologic compromise. The nurse would expect a mean blood pressure of 52 mmHg (normal range is 31-61 mmHg), acrocyanosis, and the presence of a soft heart murmur.

A nurse is caring for the 1-hour-old newborn of a mother with diabetes mellitus. Which actions will the nurse include in the newborn's plan of care? Select all that apply. A) Assess blood glucose frequently. B) Assess for SGA. C) Assess for hyperthyroidism. D) Assess the newborn's temperature hourly. E) Assess for hyperbilirubinemia.

Answer: A, E Explanation: A) In a newborn of a mother with diabetes, the onset of hypoglycemia occurs at 1-3 hours after birth and can continue for several days. Blood glucose levels should be checked frequently during the first several days. The nurse should assess lab results for hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and polycythemia. Alterations in temperature and thyroid hormone levels are not associated with newborns of mothers with diabetes. Newborns of mothers with diabetes are often LGA (large for gestational age), not SGA (small for gestational age).

The nurse is instructing the parents who delivered their first child at 34 weeks' gestation. Which statements made by the parents indicate that additional teaching is needed? Select all that apply. A) "Tube feedings will be required because his stomach is small." B) "Breathing might be harder for our baby because he is early." C) "Our baby will be in an incubator to keep him warm." D) "The growth of our baby will be slower than if he were term." E) "Because he came early, he will not produce urine for 2 days."

Answer: A, E Explanation: A) Preterm infants grow more slowly than do term infants. Although tube feedings might be required, it would be because preterm babies lack sufficient suck and swallow reflexes to prevent aspiration. Although preterm babies have diminished kidney function due to incomplete development of the glomeruli, they will make urine. Preterm infants have little subcutaneous fat, and have difficulty maintaining their body temperature. An incubator or radiant warmer is used to keep the baby warm. Surfactant production might not be complete at 34 weeks, which leads to respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, respiratory effort is increased when the ductus arteriosus remains patent, which is common in preterm infants.

The nurse is preparing to provide an enteral feeding to a preterm infant. Which is the priority nursing action prior to administering the feeding? A) Weigh the current diaper. B) Measure abdominal girth. C) Weigh the baby. D) Measure pulse oximetry

Answer: B Explanation: A) Before each feeding, the nurse should measure the abdominal girth to determine abdominal distention, which is seen in necrotizing enterocolitis or paralytic ileus. Weighing the baby and weighing diapers are interventions to assess for fluid volume status. Measuring pulse oximetry is an intervention for assessing oxygenation.

The nurse is caring for a newborn boy who was circumcised an hour ago. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for the newborn? A) Risk for Injury B) Risk for Infection C) Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition D) Risk for Ineffective Breathing Pattern

Answer: B Explanation: A) The client is at increased risk for infection because of the circumcision. Risk for Injury would be appropriate if the client were having difficulty metabolizing bilirubin. Risk for Ineffective Breathing Pattern would be appropriate if the client were demonstrating signs of ineffective breathing. Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition would be appropriate if the client were demonstrating signs of ineffective feeding behaviors.

A nurse is caring for a premature infant with a central line. The otherwise healthy, growing infant suddenly develops apnea, bradycardia, and metabolic acidosis. Which is the most likely condition causing this change in health status? A) Hyperbilirubinemia B) Bacterial sepsis C) Hypoglycemia D) Intracranial hemorrhage

Answer: B Explanation: A) The sudden onset of apnea, bradycardia, and metabolic acidosis in a premature infant with a central line in place who had previously been growing and doing well is suggestive of bacterial sepsis rather than hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, or intracranial hemorrhage.

The nurse will commonly need to work with all except which member of the healthcare team to provide care to the newborn? A) Audiology specialist B) Cardiac surgeon C) Lactation consultant D) Pediatrician

Answer: B Explanation:A) The healthcare team works together to care for the newborn. The team commonly includes a pediatrician or neonatal specialist, a nurse, a lactation consultant, and an audiology specialist. A cardiac surgeon will only be involved in the newborn's care if the newborn is diagnosed with a congenital cardiac disorder or birth defect

After giving birth to a preterm infant who is being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a client says, "My baby doesn't seem real because she's in the hospital and I'm at home." What can the nurse do to promote parent-infant attachment? A) Limit visits to the intensive care unit so as not to disrupt care the baby needs. B) Explain that once the baby is discharged to home, she will have evidence that the baby is real. C) Have the mother visit when the baby is asleep or resting. D) Provide a picture of the infant including a footprint and current weight and length.

Answer: D Explanation: A) Nurses need to take measures to promote positive parental feelings toward the preterm infant. One way to do this would be to provide the mother with a picture of the infant, including a footprint and current weight and length. This promotes bonding. The mother needs to begin bonding with the infant now, not wait until the baby is discharged to home. Visits to the intensive care unit should be encouraged and supported. The mother should try to visit with the infant when the baby is awake to encourage interaction.

The nurse is providing care to a newborn born at 37 2/7 weeks' gestation. The newborn's weight is 1750 g (3 pounds, 10 ounces). What statement would the nurse use to describe these assessment findings? A) Preterm appropriate for gestational age B) Term appropriate for gestational age C) Preterm small for gestational age D) Term small for gestational age

Answer: D Explanation: A) The infant is term at 37 2/7 weeks. Because the weight is below the 10th percentile, the infant is not appropriate for gestational age but is considered small for gestational age.

When planning the care for a preterm infant with ineffective thermoregulation, the nurse should include which intervention? A) Keep the baby's head uncovered. B) Rinse hands with cold water before providing care to the infant. C) Place incubator near a window or source of fresh air. D) Allow skin-to-skin contact with the mother to maintain warmth.

Answer: D Explanation: A) The nurse needs to plan for a neutral thermal environment to minimize oxygen consumption, prevent cold stress, and facilitate growth of the preterm infant. To do this, the nurse should plan for the infant to have skin-to-skin contact with the mother to maintain warmth. The hands should be rinsed with warm water before providing care to the infant. The baby's head should be covered because the head is 25% of the baby's size and is prone to evaporative heat loss. Incubators should be moved away from drafts or open windows to reduce radiative and conductive heat loss.

10) The nurse conducting a 5-minute Apgar assessment on a newborn assigns the following ratings: Heart rate <100 beats per minute (1 point); slow, irregular respirations (1 point); some flexion of the extremities (1 point); a vigorous cry with flicking of the baby's foot (2 points); and a pink body with blue extremities (1 point). Based on this data, which nursing action is appropriate? A) Having the aide reassess the newborn's heart rate and respiratory rate when admitted to the nursery B) Swaddling the newborn to decrease the risk of increased energy expenditure C) Placing the newborn in the mother's arms and asking her to monitor her baby's breathing D) Repeating the assessment every 5 minutes for up to 20 minutes

Answer: D Explanation: A) With a 5-minute Apgar of 6, this newborn is at increased risk for complications compared to those with Apgar scores in the range of 7 to 10. The nurse will reassess the client every 5 minutes for up to 20 minutes. The nurse should have resuscitative equipment ready for use. The other actions are not appropriate based on the data provided.

The nurse is providing care to a newborn during the first 24 hours of life. Which is an abnormal finding? A) Respiratory rate of 58 breaths per minute B) Heart rate of 140 beats per minute C) Presence of meconium stool D) Yellowing of the skin

Answer: D Explanation: A) Yellowing of the skin within the first 24 hours of life is caused by pathologic jaundice and often requires treatment with phototherapy. All of the other assessment findings are considered normal during the first 24 hours of life.

How does preterm impact the respiratory system?

If a baby is premature (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), they may not have made enough surfactant yet. When there is not enough surfactant, the tiny alveoli collapse with each breath. As the alveoli collapse, damaged cells collect in the airways. They further affect breathing. Being born preterm associates with a reduced cardiac reserve and smaller left and right ventricular volumes, as well as decreased vascularity, increased vascular stiffness, and higher pressure of both the pulmonary and systemic vasculature. The purpose of this review is to present major epidemiological evidence linking preterm birth with cardiovascular disease. Premature birth can cause a baby to have lung and breathing problems, including: Asthma. This is a health condition that affects the airways and can cause breathing problems. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (also called BPD). This is a lung disease that can develop in premature babies as well as babies who have treatment with a breathing machine. BPD can cause swelling and scarring in the lungs. Babies with BPD are more likely to get lung infections like pneumonia. Over time, the lungs usually get better, but a premature baby may have asthma-like symptoms or long-term lung damage throughout his life.

How does premature labor of a newborn impact gastrointestinal system?

If premature birth occurs, the immaturity of the digestive and absorptive processes and of GI motility represent a critical challenge to meet adequate nutritional needs, leading to poor extrauterine growth and to other critical complications. Preterm infants have lower gastric protein digestion capacity than term infants, which could impair nutrient acquisition

If hyperbilirubinemia is left untreated in a newborn, what are the risks?

Kernicterus: an abnormal of unconjugated bilirubin in the brain cells. Bilirubin accumulates within the brain and becomes toxic to the brain tissue, which causes neurological disorders such as 1. Deafness 2. Delayed motor skills 3. Hypotonia 4. Intellectual deficitits

Infant of Diabetic Mother (IDM)

Mothers monitored during pregnancy to avoid problems with baby. 1. Blood glucose monitored for all IDM (12-24 HRS.) 2. Other high-risk infants screened for hypoglycemia (LGA, SGA, pre & post term, fetal distress, infection) 3. LGA <90th percentile for GA SGA <10th percentile for GA 4. Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level <40mg/dL in the neonate

gavage feeding

Nasogastric tube for infants. feeding is a way to provide breastmilk or formula directly to your baby's stomach. A tube placed through your baby's nose (called a Nasogastric or NG tube) carries breast milk/formula to the stomach.

What is the patho/etiology of a newborn suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Not completely understood. Newborn of women who abuse tobacco, illicit substances, caffeine, and alcohol all can exhibit withdrawal behavior. 60% of exposed newborns will have symptoms.

Preterm Infant Long Term Needs

Premature babies can have long-term intellectual and developmental disabilities and problems with their lungs, brain, eyes and other organs. Finding and treating health problems as early as possible can help premature babies lead, healthier lives.These premature babies may need special medical care in a newborn intensive care unit (also called NICU).Premature birth can lead to long-term intellectual and developmental disabilities for babies. These are problems with how the brain works. They can cause a person to have trouble or delays in: Physical development Learning Communicating Taking care of himself Getting along with others Some long-term conditions linked to premature birth include: Cerebral palsy (also called CP). This is a group of conditions that affects the parts of your brain the brain that control your muscles. This can cause problems with movement, posture (standing up straight) and balance. Behavior problems. Some studies show that premature babies may be more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (also called ADHD) than babies born on time. ADHD is a condition that makes it hard for a person to pay attention and control his behavior. Mental health conditions. Premature babies may be more likely to have anxiety or depression later in life. Depression is a medical condition in which strong feelings of sadness last for a long time and interfere with your daily life. It needs treatment to get better. Anxiety is when you feel worried or fearful and these feelings affect your daily life, like school work, jobs or relationships with others. Neurological disorders. These conditions affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body. Premature birth can lead to these health problems: Dental problems. Premature babies may have delayed tooth growth, changes in tooth color or teeth that grow crooked or out of place as they get older. Hearing loss. Children born prematurely are more likely to have hearing loss than children born on time. Infections. Premature babies often have trouble fighting off germs because their immune systems are not fully developed. This means they can get infections more easily. Infections can still be a problem as your baby grows. Problems with the inte

How does preterm labor impact a newborns neuro and behavior?

Premature birth can lead to long-term intellectual and developmental disabilities for babies. These are problems with how the brain works. They can cause a person to have trouble or delays in: Physical development.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

a condition in which a child, at birth, goes through withdrawal as a consequence of maternal drug use

hyperbilirubinemia

excessive bilirubin in the blood. The newborn will experience jaundice. Yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera of the eyes. Usually starts on the head and progresses down the thorax, abdomen, and extremities. Common and caused by the natural breakdown of RBCs after birth. It is never considered normal after 24 hours.