Essay on Progression for Premature Babies

Optimizing the thermal environment has proven significant for improving the chances of survival for small infants. Understanding the basic physiologic principles and current methodology of thermoregulation is important in the clinical care of these tiny infants.

Premature birth has been linked to a vast array of lungs problems, the earlier the birth the greater risk of health complications(Davis R and Mychaliska G, 2013). A majority of the health problems will affect the infant for the rest of their life (Davis R and Mychaliska G, 2013). Infants born between the canalicular and the saccular period (week 25) have lung development that is unsuitable for gas exchange (Davis R and Mychaliska G, 2013). Two major complications that arise with undeveloped lungs is bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (Mahgoub L. et al. 2017).

Now, medical advances make it possible for even the most severe premature babies to survive. Preterm babies as young as 22 to 23 weeks gestation can survive, but the costs associated with them is high (Kornhauser & Schneiderman, 2010). The higher cost is attributed to the extended hospital stay of micro preemies in Level 3 NICU (Bird, 2014). Level 3 NICU offers a wide range of neonatal services that include special imaging techniques, advanced ventilation

Approximately 740,000 women per year use at least one illegal substance during their pregnancy (“Birth Defect Statistics”). These substances can range from marijuana to cocaine. Premature birth is defined as the birth of a child on or before thirty-seven weeks of pregnancy. There are around 500,000 premature births per year (“Preterm Birth”). It is hard to directly correlate premature birth solely to drug use, since most women that use illicit drugs during their pregnancy also smoke and drink. However, a recent study shows that around sixteen percent of women that only use drugs during pregnancy have given birth to a premature infant, and these are only the women that admitted to using these drugs (“Causes and Risk Factors”). Negative effects

Regardless of healthcare and medical advances, birth outcome disparities continue to exist in the United States. In 2014, 1 out of 10 infant births were premature, correlating to over 380,000 infants born prematurely (Health 2016). The current national average for infant births before 37 weeks is 9.6% (Services 2010). Premature birth is identified as a birth that occurs before the 37- week gestation. During the preterm period, infants are placed at a high risk of death and developing disabilities that may cause permanent handicap. Mothers that give birth preterm may partake in risky behaviors such as smoking and drug usage, lack proper nutrition, and are burdened financially. Maternal education intervention programs centered around the Health Belief Model may have a positive impact on maternal care and prevent premature birth.

Edward is a 53 year old male admitted to RGSC in 10/27/1977; with diagnosis of Speech disturbance, Aphakia, Constipation, Internal hemorrhoids, Abnormal gait, Alkaline phosphatase elevation, Osteopenia, Acquired renal cyst, Missing teeth acquired, Agerelated cataract, SP cholecystectomy, Person living in residential institution, Personal history of tuberculosis, Newborn suspected to be affected by forceps delivery, Periodontal disease, Dysphagia oropharyngeal phase,Inappropriate diet and eating habits, Long term prescription benzodiazepine use, Overweight, History of circumcision, History of epilepsy and Lipoma of back.

"Up to 12% of deliveries in developed countries are preterm." This is approximately 500,000 premature births per year. In 2009, my cousin was born ten weeks prematurely, weighing merely two pounds, four ounces. After spending a copious amount of time in and out of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with my family over the course of a month, I developed an interest in its operation. Being a neonatologist became my leading occupation of interest. I chose to further research this topic in hopes of finding out whether or not this is the career path for me. In my research paper, I plan to go into further detail about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), common medical conditions found in premature infants, how to react and treat these medical conditions, and necessary education to become a neonatologist.

Throughout this essay I will be discussing the holistic impact a premature baby within the neonatal units has on not only the child but also the immediate family. There are many health issues which can affect the child but also other issues including attachment to the mother which can also have a long-term effect on the child. This can also influence the family as there may be financial implications on the family due to these extra unexpected costs. Throughout this essay I will be discussing these topics in detail.

How has technology improved the chances of healthier premature infants? The youngest known survivor or prematures was born at 21 months and 5 weeks in 1987. Technology has changed lives for premature babies, there is so many new ways to help premature babies. The nicu is where it all started and with the way technology is going, I don’t see it slowing down or stopping. Technology for premature infants has changed so much over the years this is gonna show how the new technology that has been improved the chances of healthier premature infants. Technology has improved baby care through the nicu/peapod, The respiratory assistance/feeding methods, and other equipment/ methods. Up to 450,000

Fetal viability is known as the point at which a fetus can survive outside of the mother’s womb (Nursing Times, 2014). The Human Fertilization and Embryology Act of 1990 states that the upper gestation limit for legal termination is defined as the end of the 24th week of pregnancy (Magil-Cuerden, 2011, p. 753). There have always been two arguments for the 24th week limit that; that it presents a social/political compromise taking into account public opinion and that it presents the lower limit of fetal viability (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1999). Those that want the abortion time limit to be lowered argue that the survival rate of premature babies has improved since the 1990’s, the last time the law was changed. In the last 60 years or so advances in technology have enabled women to give birth to premature babies (Magil-Cuerden, 2011, p. 641). Those that want the abortion limit to be lowered argue that the survival rate of premature has improved since 1990. According to them medical science and technology have made it easier for premature babies born between 21-22 weeks and six days to be saved and viability is now set at 19weeks (Acred, 2012, p. 21)

Premature birth addresses our most profound qualities and fundamental convictions. Premature birth demonstrates the conflicts between two clashing perspectives. The humanistic says,

Doctors have discovered brain mapping premature babies' brains to prevent or notice further development problems. Dr. Steven P. Miller of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada researched premature babies that where admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. He and his team brain mapped and scanned for lesions using an MRI and found that the babies would

The use of the warmer has decreased the amount of infants and children we have had difficulty in regulating their body temperatures. Even our local flight team was happy to have access to the warmers while transferring a patient. Through my research and learning, it has changed the way I treat my pediatric patients and their families. I no longer avoid these patients and I now advocate for them. I now understand these are tiny humans but their treatment must be tailored to them much differently than their adult counterparts. I have learned that children can sense fear quicker than adults can. I have also learned the parents are typically the best medicine. If possible, let the child stay with or in the parents lap for procedures. In addition, I have learned that taking care of children is quite rewarding. To see them get better and know you had a part in that feels amazing. I look forward to continue growing, learning, and expanding the knowledge to my co-workers in the field. Optimal and excellent patient care should be provided to all no matter the age.

The data shows that kangaroo care increased the temperature and prevented hypothermia in the infants that participated in the study. Over 300 temperature recordings were done, and the average showed that kangaroo care was beneficial to the infants with hypothermia. The evidence is sufficient to draw a conclusion, that with the data presented in the result section, one can conclude that infants benefit more from kangaroo care than they did from incubator care. The results are interpreted by identifying the problems that were overcome, the outcome of the data collected, the answer to the hypothesis, and the entire literature review supported the results of this study in a positive manner. The hypothesis determined was that kangaroo care would benefit the infants, the outcome of the article was what the hypothesis expected it to be. The conclusions and generalizations were clearly stated in the discussion area of this research article. The author states, “KMC is an adequate, low-cost and preferable alternative for maintaining warmth in situations where equipment for thermal regulation is unreliable” (Ibe, Austin, Sullivan, Fabanwo, Disu, & Costello, 2004, p. 250). The limitations were clearly portrayed and presented in the discussion section. The mothers were willing to participate in kangaroo care even though cultural beliefs were otherwise noted. Also, the mothers that were not willing to participate at the beginning of the study, saw other mothers participating and were willing to try once the study was completed. The generalizations are within the scope of the findings. The study does contribute to nursing knowledge because the nurses are the ones that have to present the intervention to the mothers and encourage kangaroo care in the hospital setting on a daily

Thanks to the availability of neonatal intensive care the outcomes of high-risk infants born either preterm or with serious medical or surgical conditions has improved (Bode MM et al, 2001; MacDorman MF; MacDorman 2009 ; Clement MS,2005 ).