She was born at week 35
My experience with giving birth at 35 weeks was an extraordinary journey, full of challenges and mixed emotions. First, I was concerned about my baby's health and his readiness for life outside the womb at this early stage.
Babies born at 35 weeks are considered premature, meaning they may face some health challenges early in life.
However, the specialized medical team provided continuous support and care for me and my child, which increased my confidence and reassurance. The birth was performed with great care and under close supervision, emphasizing the importance of immediate care for the baby after birth.
Thank God, my baby was able to overcome the initial challenges thanks to advanced care in the neonatal intensive care unit. This experience taught me the value of patience, hope, and the importance of trusting the medical team. It has been an inspiring journey towards motherhood, full of lessons and experiences that will remain etched in my memory.
What are the reasons for giving birth at week 35?
There are many factors that may contribute to premature birth, including:
- Multiple pregnancy, such as having twins or more.
– Weakness in the cervix may not provide adequate protection for the fetus.
- The presence of infections or problems with the structure of the uterus.
– Complications related to the placenta, such as premature separation.
– Maternal tobacco consumption during pregnancy.
Some diseases that may occur to the mother may increase the risk of premature birth.
Complications faced by babies born at 35 weeks
There are many health challenges that may accompany children who are born before the full term of pregnancy. Among these problems are decreased breathing functions, problems with growth and development, and difficulties in maintaining body temperature. They may also suffer from hypersensitivity to infections due to their lack of natural immunity. These cases require intensive medical care to ensure that this stage can be safely passed.
1. Jaundice
In the case of premature babies, some organs have difficulty developing fully, and one of these organs is the liver. The liver is unable to perform its function efficiently in breaking down red blood cells, which may cause jaundice. If jaundice is not treated properly, it may lead to negative effects on the brain and cause serious complications.
2. Infection
Babies who are born prematurely, or who are premature, do not get enough antibodies from their mothers, which leads to a weakened ability to resist infection. Since their immune systems are not strong enough to fight off germs and viruses, they become more vulnerable, especially when undergoing medical procedures that may increase their chance of being exposed to infection.
3. Nutritional problems
Premature babies often have difficulties with the ability to suck and swallow properly, which are normal functions that require precise coordination that may not be sufficiently developed in them.
4. Breathing problems
The lungs are in an incomplete stage of development, and do not contain an important substance that helps tissue glide and is known as surfactant. This substance plays an important role in preventing lung tissues from sticking together during inhalation and exhalation. Also, weak lung muscles cause breathing difficulties and may lead to pain during this process.
5. Problems with weight gain
At birth, premature babies weigh less than two kilograms. This low weight may cause feeding difficulties for them as well as challenges in growth and weight gain later.
6. Body temperature instability
An important element of a child's health is maintaining an ideal body weight and an appropriate body fat level. This helps regulate body temperatures effectively. In the event of a lack of body fat, the body temperature may decrease, which necessitates the use of incubators or heated beds to maintain the warmth necessary for the child’s health.
Treatment of premature infants born at week 35
1. Use alarms and baby monitors
The medical team will ensure that the child is constantly monitored by tracking his vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels, and breathing pattern. If any abnormalities are detected in these indicators, alert systems will activate directly to alert doctors, enabling them to quickly intervene and provide the necessary treatments.
2. Provide breathing support
When an infant's breathing is normal but he needs more oxygen, it is possible to provide oxygen to him through a tube inserted into the nose. If the infant suffers from severely low oxygen levels, a device known as BiPAP is used. This device works to push air into the child's lungs during each inhalation. In cases where the child's lungs are unable to work effectively, as a result of a decrease in a substance that reduces surface tension, a respirator is used to help the child breathe.
3. Use of ultraviolet radiation
When a premature baby suffers from jaundice, phototherapy is relied upon, as ultraviolet rays play the role of the liver in dividing decomposed red blood cells. The child can also be given additional fluids to help eliminate toxins that may form as a result.
4. Providing food through the tube
When a child has feeding problems or does not get enough nutrients, a tube passed directly into his stomach may be used. This procedure ensures that the child receives the necessary nutrition, whether it is breast milk or artificial substitute, in an effective way that facilitates the digestion process and helps accelerate his growth and increase his weight in a healthy way.
5. Enhance skin contact
Technology-packed incubators and cribs play an important role in maintaining the ideal body temperature for the baby. But the importance of direct physical contact between a mother and her child cannot be denied. This intimate meeting contributes to strengthening the relationship between them and gives the child a feeling of safety and reassurance.
Premature birth
Premature birth is defined as the birth of an infant before the completion of the 40th week of pregnancy, while full-term pregnancy usually takes about XNUMX weeks. This type of birth can pose a risk to the child's health, as the earlier the birth occurs, the higher the risk of the child facing many health problems of varying severity.
Premature births are classified into four main categories depending on the week in which they occur:
1. Late preterm birth: which occurs between week 34 and week 36 of pregnancy.
2. Moderate preterm birth: occurs between weeks 32 and 34.
3. Very premature birth: occurs between weeks 28 and 32.
4. Extremely premature birth: before the 28th week of pregnancy.
The most common classification of preterm births refers to late preterm birth, which represents the highest proportion of these cases. Knowing these divisions, doctors can determine the appropriate care and measures necessary to protect the health of the newborn.
Factors causing premature birth
There are several specific conditions that may increase the chances of premature birth among women, and the pregnant woman must monitor these factors and discuss them with the treating physician to ensure the preservation of her health and the health of her fetus:
- Previous premature births: If there is a previous experience of premature birth in the woman herself or one of her relatives, additional precautionary measures should be taken and discussed with the doctor.
Pregnancy with more than one fetus: Pregnant women with twins are more vulnerable to premature birth, which requires careful medical follow-up.
– Abnormal weight during pregnancy: Excessive or underweight weight beyond healthy levels can lead to problems in pregnancy, including premature birth, which necessitates regular medical follow-up.
– Urinary tract infections: Infections during pregnancy can speed up the delivery date, so they must be treated immediately and effectively.
Other factors, such as smoking, fluctuating amniotic fluid levels, and high blood pressure, all increase the risk of having a baby before completing the pregnancy, and require special medical monitoring.
Constant communication with the doctor and adherence to medical recommendations can help reduce potential risks and ensure a safe pregnancy that progresses toward achieving positive results.
