Delivering the facts about premature birth

A Mandeni mom was overjoyed last week to be able to take her baby boy home, having feared for his life since he was born three months prematurely last year.

Little Nkosinathi Mavuso weighed a mere 920 grams when he was born last September. On discharge from hospital last week, he weighed a healthy 2,91 kilograms.

The Courier spoke with local pediatrician Dr Strini Chetty to find out about premature births, the dangers and the lasting effects.

“In my 14 years as a pediatrician I have dealt with at least 1 000 premature births and I have seen everything from tragedy to amazing recoveries,” said Dr Chetty.

Also read: Tiny 920g prem baby makes miraculous recovery

Asked what could lead to a premature birth, Dr Chetty said there were dozens of possible causes.

“On the maternal side, the big ones are medical factors such as infection, uro-genital conditions such as STD’s, high blood pressure, diabetes, malnutrition and multiple births (twins, triplets etc) ; socio-economic factors such as basic health and wellbeing, alcohol usage, smoking, illegal drugs and certain medications can also lead to a premature birth.”

Dr Chetty said when faced with a premature birth, most parents panicked.

“In an ordinary birth, parents are prepared, they know which hospital to go to, have an emergency bag packed etc. When a premature birth strikes, it is an emergency situation – you might end up in a hospital you don’t know, with an unfamiliar gynaecologist and none of the clothes etc. you had planned on bringing along for the hospital stay.”

Dangers in premature births include bruising of the baby if he/she is born naturally. In the case of a caesarean, Dr Chetty says there is increased risk for the mother if she has any pre-existing conditions or has had a previous caesarean.

“Fortunately, paediatric and obstetric care has come a long way and we have made extensive advances.”

After a caesarean, efforts to make sure the baby is alright begin in the theatre.

“We will typically intubate right there and start the baby on interim ventilation. Thereafter they go to paediatric ICU where we start mechanical ventilation.”

The baby will be given an IV drip for fluids and nutrients, as well as any medications required. Depending on how early the child was born, they may also enclose the incubator in plastic wrap to help keep him/her warm and to minimise handling, which can severely stress them.

Another very important factor in ensuring the health of these babies is donor breast milk.

“Lots of prems get donor breast milk,” said Dr Chetty.

“I cannot stress how much better it is for the babies than formula. Breast milk banks are currently being set up in several places across the country. To donate get in touch with your local hospital or paediatrician and they will be able to point you in the right direction.”

He said there long-term effects of a premature birth could include neurological issues, eye problems and blindness, hearing loss, gastro intestinal tract problems, feeding difficulty and breathing troubles. Studies have also linked premature births to behavioural and learning issues in later life.

Of course, this is not to say every premature baby will have these problems and even if they do, that should not hold them back.

Acclaimed musician Stevie Wonder was born at just 34 weeks and lost his sight due to complications from the birth, but that did not hold him back.

Even British statesman Sir Winston Churchill and brilliant scientist Albert Einstein were premies – and if you think that it may be a physical deficit, remember that SA’s athletics darling Wade van Niekerk barely weighed a kilogram when he was born at 29 weeks.

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