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Preterm

A preterm birth occurs when a child is born earlier than expected, usually less than thirty-seven weeks. A preterm baby has the following characteristics: extremely low birth weight, small size, and underdeveloped body parts. While normal babies weigh between 5.5 pounds and 8.9 pounds, preterm babies weigh less than 5.5 pounds and sometimes much lower. Preterm babies have difficulty keeping warm because they have not yet developed enough body fat. This may result in complications, such as pneumonia. A preterm baby is at risk of developing eyesight problems, hearing difficulties, cerebral palsy, and even stunted development. Causes of preterm births include infections during pregnancy, such as vaginal and urinary tract infections; certain medications taken during pregnancy; and conditions of the mother, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight issues (whether too low or too high). Mothers should strive to eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet during pregnancy so that the baby can develop properly. They should avoid alcohol and tobacco to minimize the chances of a preterm birth. Adequate water intake and regular exercise will help maintain the vitality of the mother’s body organs. Regular checkups will help curb unexpected health conditions that could put the mother and baby at risk.

July 1, 2018April 13, 2020

Research Findings

The Effect of Exercise on Preterm Babies

Very low birth weight infants have a higher risk for osteopenia (i.e., thin and weak bones). Most preventive therapies focus on nutritional changes, which, unfortunately, have not yielded the best results. However, some recent studies have shown that controlled physical activity strengthens babies’ bones. Specifically, passive, motion-assisted exercises improved bone

Research Findings

Corn Soya Blend Plus: A Nutritional Alternative during Pregnancy

The mother’s nutrition is critical to the development and outcome of pregnancy, affecting not only the size of the child at birth but also the duration of the pregnancy. When mothers are

Skin-to-Skin Contact may Help Preterm Babies in Pain

Skin-to-Skin Contact May Help Relieve Pain in Preterm Babies

Pain in the early stages of life is related to deep and

Pregnancy and HIV: How Does It Affect Newborns?

The management of HIV infection has completely transformed. HIV is now considered

Skin-to-Skin Contact May Help Relieve Pain in Preterm Babies The Effects of Skin-to-Skin Contact during Acute Pain in Preterm Newborns

August 3, 2018April 5, 2020

Research Findings

Pain in the early stages of life is related to deep and permanent changes in babies’ brains. Despite this, many premature infants do not receive adequate treatment when they are subjected to

Pregnancy and HIV: How Does It Affect Newborns? Maternal Antiretroviral Drugs during Pregnancy and Infant Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth

July 22, 2018April 5, 2020

Maternity/Research Findings

The management of HIV infection has completely transformed. HIV is now considered a chronic, controllable disease instead of a lethal illness. As a result, a large number of HIV-positive women are deciding