22/07/2025
❓ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?
The brain develops rapidly during the final weeks of pregnancy. When a baby is , this process is interrupted, so their brain may not be fully prepared for life outside the womb. 🧠💜
🗓️ With (July 22) approaching, we’re raising awareness about the impact of preterm birth on brain health, both early and later in life.
Some complications can occur within the first few days and require urgent care. These include:
🔹Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH): Bleeding into the brain’s fluid-filled spaces.
🔹Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL): Injury to the brain’s white matter, which sends signals throughout the body.
🔹Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): Brain injury resulting from reduced oxygen or blood flow. This condition is more common in full-term babies, but it can also affect preterm babies.
Other challenges may develop later. These can include:
🔸Cerebral palsy: It affects movement and muscle control but it doesn’t determine how your child will learn. It is more likely to occur in babies with early brain injury.
🔸Seizures & epilepsy: They may be only temporary, or last lifelong.
🔸Delayed brain growth & motor skills: Preterm birth can interrupt critical growth, especially before 32 weeks.
🔸Emotional & behavioral difficulties: There is a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and difficulty managing emotions.
🔸Learning & attention difficulties, such as difficulty reading, remembering, or focusing.
🔸Social challenges: Some children may have more difficulty making friends and building confidence.
💡Good to know:
Not all preterm babies will face these issues but knowing what to watch for can be helpful. With early support, therapy, and lots of love, many children go on to thrive. 💕🌱
Remember, every preemie’s brain is unique. And every step forward matters. You are not alone. ✨
To learn more about the long-term effects of preterm birth, visit Neopedia: bit.ly/3Uf6fS3
