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Chapter 2: Problem 12

Describe the causes of, consequences of, and treatments for preterm births and the risks that postmature babies face. Preterm, or premature, infants, born less than 38 weeks following conception, generally have low birthweight, which can cause chilling, vulnerability to infection, respiratory distress syndrome, and hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli. They may even show adverse effects later in life, including slowed development, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, below-average IQ scores, and problems with physical coordination. Very-low- birthweight infants are in special danger because of the immaturity of their organ systems. However, medical advances have pushed the age of viability of the infant back to about 24 weeks following conception. Postmature babies, who spend extra time in their mothers' wombs, are also at risk.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Preterm births are caused by a variety of factors and can lead to immediate health risks such as infection, respiratory distress syndrome, and hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli, along with long-term implications including learning disabilities, below-average IQ scores, and coordination problems. Treatment often comprises intensive care to prevent infection and support developmental health. Postmature babies, or those born after 42 weeks, may face risks due to reduced placental nutrients and possible organ function impairment because of the prolonged gestation term. They might face health complications due to a decrease in amniotic fluid.

Step by step solution

01

Define Preterm Births

Preterm births or premature births are defined as births that occur less than 38 weeks following conception. Preterm infants typically have a low birthweight.
02

Identify Causes and Consequences of Preterm Births

The causes can differ greatly and requires a thorough medical analysis, often based on individual cases. Consequences of preterm births can include vulnerability to infections, respiratory distress syndrome, hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli, and chilling due to low birth weight.
03

Identify Treatments for Preterm Births and Long-term Effects

Treatments for preterm births involve intensive care to prevent infection and nurture the infant's health. Adverse effects later in life can include slowed development, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, below-average IQ scores, and problems with physical coordination.
04

Define Postmature Babies

Postmature babies are those who spend extra time in their mothers' wombs, typically born after 42 weeks of gestation.
05

Identify Risks Associated with Postmaturity

Postmature infants are at risk due to various factors, including reduced nutrients from the placenta, and potentially impaired organ functions due to the extended time in womb. In some cases, postmature babies may face health issues resulting from a dearth of amniotic fluid.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe ways in which genes influence the environment. Children may influence their environment through genetic traits that cause them to construct - or influence their parents to construct - an environment that matches their inherited dispositions and preferences.

Describe the normal process of labor and the events that occur in the first few hours of a newborn's life. In the first stage of labor, contractions occur about every 8 to 10 minutes, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity until the mother's cervix expands. In the second stage of labor, which lasts about 90 minutes, the baby begins to move through the cervix and birth canal and ultimately leaves the mother's body. In the third stage of labor, which lasts only a few minutes, the umbilical cord and placenta are expelled from the mother. After it emerges, the newborn, or neonate, is usually inspected for irregularities, cleaned, and returned to its mother and father. It also undergoes newborn screening tests.

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