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Developmental Problems of Premature Infants

According to the World Health Organization, roughly 13 million premature infants are born every year. These infants are classified as premature if they are under 37 weeks. Premature babies are at risk of developmental problems associated with health, behavior and emotions. However, this depends on exactly how premature the baby is. Some infants born premature have no problems at all. It is important to monitor your child's development and consult with your doctor so that if a problem exists, you can seek the necessary treatments.

  1. Respiratory Problems

    • Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is a condition found in premature infants who are born before 28 weeks. According to the National Library of Medicine, symptoms can include "grunting, shallow breathing or bluish-colored skin." Because symptoms can appear minutes after birth, high-risk babies are instantly placed on breathing machines. This condition can further lead to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, which is a chronic lung disease. Infants can be treated with oxygen therapy at home, but if the disease causes permanent damage, the child is at greater risk for bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

    Vision Problems

    • According to the National Eye Institute, premature infants that are born before 31 weeks and weigh less than 2 3/4 pounds are at risk of retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP. This disorder can cause vision problems in childhood, such as myopia and glaucoma, or it can lead to "lifelong vision impairment and blindness." However, roughly 90 percent of ROP patients have mild cases that do not require treatment. Those that need medical care can be treated with laser therapy or cryotherapy that slows or reverses abnormal development of blood vessels in the retina.

    Social Problems

    • In 2006, Danish researchers concluded that babies born at 34 to 36 weeks were 70 percent more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in childhood. The study, which used 30,000 children, also found that the risk "tripled if the baby was born before 34 weeks." Children with this disorder often have trouble paying attention to teachers or parents. They are easily distracted and make careless mistakes, which can result in trouble at preschool. At home, they may not be able to focus on chores, causing tension among their siblings. ADHD also brings a level of impulsivity that can be distracting. Children have been known to blurt out answers at inappropriate times or repeat offensive statements. Hyperactivity is another issue. Kids can squirm, fidget or excessively run around, which causes stress to those around them. ADHD can be treated with medications like Ritalin and Adderal or behavioral therapy that includes goal-setting and rewards for good behavior.

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