What will happen if a child is born 2 months early?

Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, is the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born prematurely can have a variety of health problems, depending on how early they are born and how much they weigh.

Some of the potential health problems of premature birth include:

* Respiratory problems: Premature babies may have trouble breathing on their own because their lungs are not fully developed. They may need to be placed on a ventilator or given oxygen therapy.

* Feeding problems: Premature babies may have difficulty suckling and swallowing, and they may need to be fed through a tube.

* Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Premature babies may have low blood sugar because their bodies are not able to store and release glucose properly. They may need to be given intravenous glucose or formula to keep their blood sugar levels stable.

* Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes): Premature babies may develop jaundice because their livers are not fully developed and cannot remove bilirubin from their blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.

* Infection: Premature babies are more susceptible to infection because their immune systems are not fully developed. They may need to be given antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.

* Neurological problems: Premature babies may have developmental delays or learning disabilities. They may also be at an increased risk for cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other neurological problems.

The earlier a baby is born, the more likely they are to have health problems. However, with proper medical care, most premature babies are able to grow and develop into healthy adults.

Here are some tips for parents of premature babies:

* Be prepared for a long hospital stay. Premature babies often need to stay in the hospital for several weeks or even months.

* Be involved in your baby's care. Learn as much as you can about your baby's condition and how to care for them.

* Be patient. Premature babies may take longer to reach developmental milestones than full-term babies.

* Be supportive. Premature babies and their families need a lot of support. Talk to your doctor or nurse about resources that are available to you.